IEP Goal Bank for Autism, ADHD, and Special Education, ADHD, and Special Education
Searchable, evidence-based IEP goals organized by domain. Copy goal language directly into your IEP. Free for parents, educators, and behavior analysts.
How to Write Effective IEP Goals
The SMART Framework
Every IEP goal should be Specific (what skill will the student learn), Measurable (how will progress be tracked), Achievable (realistic given the student's current level), Relevant (addresses an identified need), and Time-bound (within the IEP period, typically one year).
The Three Components
A well-written IEP goal includes three parts:
- Condition: Under what circumstances will the student perform the skill? (e.g., "Given a visual schedule and verbal prompt...")
- Behavior: What will the student do? Use observable, measurable verbs. (e.g., "...the student will independently complete 4 of 5 steps of the handwashing routine...")
- Criteria: How well must the student perform? (e.g., "...across 3 consecutive sessions as measured by task analysis data.")
Tips for Parents
You are an equal member of your child's IEP team. Before the meeting, review your child's current goals and progress. Use this goal bank to familiarize yourself with evidence-based goal language. Write down 2-3 goals you think are important and bring them to the meeting. If a goal does not make sense to you, ask the team to explain it in plain language.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) goal is a measurable statement describing what a student is expected to achieve within a specific timeframe. Good IEP goals are observable, measurable, and tied to the student's current level of performance.
Yes. Parents are equal members of the IEP team. You can suggest goals, request changes, and advocate for your child. This goal bank helps you prepare with evidence-based language.
Most IEPs include 3-8 goals targeting the student's areas of greatest need. Quality matters more than quantity. Each goal should address a meaningful skill that impacts your child's education.
These goals are templates and examples. Every child's IEP should be individualized based on their unique needs, current level, and educational environment. Use these as starting points and customize with your IEP team.