5 Things to Do BEFORE You Write an IEP Goal

It is that time of year again when annual reviews will slowly start to begin.  Here are 5 things to do before you write an IEP goal:

1.  Check present levels of performance - Perform a new evaluation if it is necessary.  Determine the student's strengths and weaknesses.  When you formulate a goal try to build on strengths to offset weaknesses.

2.  Review data and notes.  Check the student's progress towards the current IEP goals.  Does it seem likely that the goals will be reached by the end of the year?  Are you able to think about the next step for independence in a certain domain?

3.  Analyze deficits.  What is the impact of those deficits on academic success or accessing the educational environment?  If the deficits do not hinder educational success you do not need an IEP goal for them.

4.  Discuss with the multi - disciplinary team including parents on how your services can help the student.

5.  Discuss goals with student.  Make sure the student is on board - internal motivation is a key to success.

IEP Goals Related to the Common Core for OT/PT
Grades K-2 - this download is a large goal bank for school based occupational and physical therapy that is aligned with the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics common core standards for grades K-2.  It is meant to provide guidance and suggestions on relating occupational and physical therapy goals to the common core curriculum in order to establish educationally relevant goals for a student's individualized education program (IEP).  FIND OUT MORE.