IEP Goal Bank for Autism, ADHD, and Special Education
Search 35 IEP goal examples across six domains. Copy an example with its measurement and baseline context for discussion with your IEP team. These are starting points to individualize, not ready-to-adopt goals or a validated program.
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How to Write Effective IEP Goals
The SMART Framework
SMART is a planning aid: make the skill and conditions specific, define measurement, and agree a meaningful target and timeframe. For U.S. IDEA IEPs, 34 CFR 300.320 describes present levels, measurable annual goals, progress measurement and reporting. A template alone does not establish an appropriate goal.
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
Under U.S. IDEA, parents are included on the IEP team. Bring your priorities, observations and questions. Discuss the student’s present levels, educational needs, accessible communication, supports and progress reporting. The examples and their numbers are illustrative; agree suitable criteria with the team. Local processes outside U.S. IDEA may differ.
Getting ready for the meeting? Our free IEP meeting prep guide covers what to bring, questions to ask, your rights as a parent and what to do if you disagree.
Teaching to these goals? ABA in the Classroom is our free guide for teachers and school teams, with simple data collection and a quick-reference classroom checklist.
Need More Support?
Sources and scope
The U.S. regulation references explain goal and team context; they do not validate these examples. The NJC guidance supports individualized communication, including expressing preferences and feelings and access to AAC. It is professional guidance, not a statement of legal eligibility.
- 34 CFR 300.320: IEP content, annual goals and progress
- 34 CFR 300.321: IEP team
- NJC Communication Bill of Rights, third edition
General educational content: not medical, psychological, or behavioral advice.
Sources checked October 21, 2026. The eCFR view displayed content current through October 19. This bank does not determine eligibility or certify legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
For U.S. IDEA IEPs, measurable annual academic and functional goals address the child’s educational needs. The IEP also describes how progress is measured and reported. An example from this bank must be individualized from the student’s present levels and needs.
Yes. Parents are included on the U.S. IDEA IEP team. Bring your priorities, questions and observations for discussion. This bank supplies examples, not proof that a goal is suitable or evidence-based for a particular child.
This bank does not recommend a fixed number. Discuss goals that address the student’s assessed educational needs with the team. A generic goal count isn’t a substitute for that individual decision.
They are examples, not an individualized IEP or a validated intervention program. Adapt the skill, baseline, criterion, annual timeframe, measurement, communication mode, access and safety supports with the qualified team. Copying includes context so the example is not presented as an adopted goal.