What this means
IDEA requires the IEP to include measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals. Measurability is a requirement, not a common practice.
Annual goals are designed to meet the child's disability-related needs so the child can be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum, and to meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the disability.
There is no single federally required formula for writing a goal. A useful way to read one is to look for the skill or outcome being addressed, what meaningful progress would look like, and how progress will be measured.
Short-term objectives or benchmarks are federally required specifically for children who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards. States may require them more broadly.
What you may see
- Goals stated so that progress can be measured rather than described in impressions
- Goals addressing academic learning and functional skills
- Short-term objectives or benchmarks in some IEPs
- A stated connection between a goal and a need described in the present levels
Follow the thread
- Present levels
- Annual goal
- Services and supports
- Progress measurement
Questions to consider
- What need in the present levels does this goal address?
- How will progress be measured?
- What would meaningful progress look like along the way?
- What services, instruction or supports will help my child work toward this goal?
- Who collects or reviews the progress information?
- What will the team consider if the goal is met early, or if my child is not making expected progress?
What you may want to write down
- The goals that matter most to your family
- How each one will be measured, in plain words
- Questions you still have after the explanation
Sources and review
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.
Sources
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.