As special education practitioners, we know that writing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals based upon evidence-based instructional strategies are the gold standard to support student learning for college- and career readiness. By setting Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-limited goals, all IEP team members have a clear sense of the target to meet before the next annual review.
Definition
SMART is a mnemonic acronym used in a variety of settings, providing benchmark goals and measurements. IEP team members may also use this tool to write better annual goals:
- Specific - The goal identifies the areas of need (e.g. academic or behavioral) and functional performance;
- Measurable - The goal is observable and must be measured and collected to determine the student’s progress;
- Attainable - The goal indicates the student’s expected annual progress;
- Relevant - The goal addresses the child’s specific deficits in knowledge, skills, or behaviors necessary for school success;
- Time-limited - The goal is written for a one-year time frame to improve present levels and a child’s academic achievement or behavior;
Examples
8th-grade math
By (date), (name) will increase math skills by solving two-step equations as measured by teacher-made assignments and student work samples, with no more than 4 errors in 25 problems.
|
Specific |
Measurable |
Attainable |
Relevant |
Time-limited |
|
The student will solve systems of equations with two variables |
Using teacher-made assignments and student work samples |
With no more than 4 errors in 25 problems |
Meets 8th grade-state standards for expressions and equations |
The goal will increase student’s ability to solve more complex linear equations within one year |
5th-grade reading
By (date), (name) will use graphic organizers to draw the main idea and 3 supporting details for one paragraph of informational text with no more than 4 errors after reading 20 passages, as measured by teacher-made assignments and student work samples.
|
Specific |
Measurable |
Attainable |
Relevant |
Time-limited |
|
Using graphic organizers, students will draw the main idea and 3 supporting details about informational text |
As measured by teacher-made assignments and student work samples |
With no more than 4 errors after reading 20 informational text passages |
Meets state reading standards for 5th-grade comprehension of informational text |
The goal will increase student’s ability to explain how the author reasons and uses evidence to support a claim within one year |
Behavior
By (date), (name) will initiate his/her work as evidenced by writing relevant words or numbers on his/her paper within one minute of an assignment being presented, with a minimum of 20 recorded opportunities over two months, as measured by observational assessments.
|
Specific |
Measurable |
Attainable |
Relevant |
Time-limited |
|
The student will initiate work within one minute of an assignment being presented |
As measured by teacher observations and student performance assessments |
20 recorded opportunities over two months |
Supports student’s ability to be on task |
The goal will increase student initiation of assigned classroom work within one year |
Summary
Using the SMART technique will guide IEP teams to write high-quality, legally defensible, IEP goals every time.
Author: Judith Magee, MA, Education Specialist
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog.