The 411 on IEP Goals

Summary

In this episode, Dana Marie and Michelle discuss the importance of well-written goals in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They highlight the need for goals to drive services and placement, as well as the role of goals in measuring student progress.

Michelle and Dana Marie provide guidance on crafting effective goals, including considering the current performance level, making goals measurable and challenging yet achievable, and aligning goals with grade level curriculum. They also emphasize the importance of individualizing goals to meet the specific needs and vision of each student. The episode concludes with a call for questions and comments on goals in IEPs.

Takeaways

• Well-written goals in IEPs are crucial for driving services and measuring student progress.
• Goals should be individualized, measurable, and aligned with grade level curriculum.
• Current performance levels should be clearly stated, and objectives should be challenging yet achievable.
• Goals should be purposeful and meaningful, considering the specific needs and vision of each student.
• The 'so what' factor should be considered when setting goals, ensuring they lead to meaningful outcomes for the student.
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and YouTube Plug

01:25 Repeating Conversations about IEP Goals

03:00 Importance of Goals in IEPs

04:38 Goals Driving Services and Placement

06:26 Components of a Well-Written Goal

08:57 Measuring Progress with Goals

09:26 Data-Driven Decision Making

10:51 Designing Instruction Based on Goals

12:17 Goals as an Afterthought

13:42 Lack of Progression in Goals

15:18 Key Elements of Well-Written Goals

17:36 Goals Aligned with Grade Level Curriculum

19:31 Importance of the 'So What' in Goals

22:00 Summary and Call for Questions