Key Component 4: Goals
Overview
Goals are the foundation of a successful, individualized educational experience for students with disabilities. This resource will cover key elements of measurable goals such as determining goal areas, establishing baselines, aligning goals with state standards, creating linguistically appropriate goals, writing measurable annual goals, and reporting on progress.
TPE Alignment:
- TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress.
- TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, make accommodations and/or modify instruction.
- TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when to involve other adults and to communicate effectively with peers and colleagues, families, and members of the larger school community to support teacher and student learning.
Navigating this Collection:
HQ IEPs > During the IEP > Key Components of the IEP Process > Key Component 4: Goals
Videos
Unlocking Educational Benefit: Key Component 3 & 4: Areas of Need and Goals
This video guides viewers through how to identify student areas of need and translate them into meaningful, measurable goals within the IEP. It explains how to use assessment data and present levels of performance to shape goals that are aligned with grade-level standards and tailored to each student’s disability-related needs. The video offers practical tips on writing strong goals — including setting baselines, using short-term objectives, and monitoring progress — so educators and families can support student growth in the least restrictive environment and beyond. TPE ...
Printable Tools
Key Component 4 - Individual Transition Part (ITP)
This document provides an overview of how the IEP team can support students in selecting a graduation pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests, and postsecondary goals. It explains diploma options, alternative pathways, and how decisions made during IEP meetings can support long-term academic and career success. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, ...
Key Component 4: Measurable Annual Goals
This resource outlines how to write effective and measurable IEP goals that are aligned with student needs and present levels of performance. It provides clear criteria for what makes a goal SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and includes examples to guide teams in crafting individualized goals that promote progress. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment ...
Websites
Developing High Quality Individual Transition Plans (ITP): Part 1 of 2
Download this customizable Google Slides training deck to support LEA staff in developing high-quality Individual Transition Plans (ITPs). This is Part 1 of a 2-part series and focuses on building a strong foundation for student-centered transition planning. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans.) TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, ...
Developing High Quality Individual Transition Plans (ITP): Part 2 of 2
Download this customizable Google Slides training deck to support LEA staff in completing high-quality Individual Transition Plans (ITPs). This is Part 2 of a 2-part series and focuses on finalizing the ITP and ensuring effective implementation and compliance. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans.) TPE 5.8 - Use assessment ...
Key Component 4: Goals - Downloadable Training Package
Support your LEA teams with our downloadable training packages for Key Component #4: Goals—complete with an agenda, Google Slides presentation, and processing guide. Click below to access ready-to-use and customizable materials designed to help staff write clear, measurable IEP goals that drive student success. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, ...