IEP Goals and Accommodations

What Are IEP Goals?

An IEP goal is a measurable annual goal designed to address a student’s area of need. Goals are based on the student’s current levels of performance and focus on skills that require specialized instruction.

Each goal identifies what the student is expected to achieve within one year. Goals are written to be specific and measurable so progress can be tracked over time.

IEP goals do not cover every subject. They target areas of need identified in their present levels of performance.

How Goals Are Written

IEP goals are written to be clear and measurable. Each goal identifies the specific skill the student will work on, the level of performance expected, and how progress will be measured.

Goals are based on assessments, classroom performance, and teacher observations. They are designed to be meaningful but realistic, allowing the student to make progress within one year.

Progress toward each goal is monitored regularly and reported to parents. If a goal is not appropriate or needs adjustment, the IEP team can revise it.

What Are Accommodations?

Accommodations are changes to how a student learns or demonstrates learning. They provide support without lowering academic expectations.

Common accommodations include extended time on assignments, small-group testing, preferential seating, visual supports, and access to assistive technology. These supports help remove barriers related to the student’s disability.

Accommodations do not change what a student is expected to learn. They change how the student accesses instruction or shows understanding.

What Are Modifications?

Modifications are changes to what a student is expected to learn or demonstrate. Unlike accommodations, modifications change grade-level expectations and may lower the academic standard.

Examples of modifications are altered grading criteria and instruction at a different level of complexity. These changes are used when a student’s disability significantly limits access to grade-level curriculum.

Because modifications change academic expectations, they must be used carefully. In High School, modifications may interfere with graduation requirements.

How Goals and Supports Work Together

IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications are designed to work together. Goals identify the skills a student needs to develop. Accommodations provide access to instruction and assessment. Modifications adjust academic expectations when necessary.

The IEP is not just a list of supports, but a coordinated plan that allows the student to make meaningful educational progress.

When goals and supports are aligned, the IEP becomes a practical tool for instruction.

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