"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."
I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this goal bank because I was tired of seeing parents bullied into accepting generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.
The goals below aren't just random suggestions—they are the exact same forensically sound goals I fight for in meetings every day. Use them to demand better for your child.
Mary
Founder, The Advocate Ally
What's Happening
Your child's IEP goals are generic, vague, or don't contain specific measurable criteria. You can't track progress because the goal itself is unmeasurable.
Your Legal Rights
Under IDEA, every IEP goal must be measurable. If you can't look at a goal and determine exactly how progress is measured, the goal is legally deficient.
- IDEA requires all goals to be measurable and tied to present level data.
- You can request that vague goals be rewritten as SMART goals.
- Progress must be reported using objective data tied specifically to each goal.
- You can request an IEP meeting at any time to address deficient goals.
What To Do Right Now
Review each goal using the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound.
Highlight goals that lack a specific baseline, condition, criteria, or timeline.
Send a written request for an IEP meeting to revise the goals.
Bring specific examples of measurable goals to the meeting as alternatives (use our Goal Banks for templates).
Don't Go Into This Blind
Before you send any letters or file any complaints, let me review the IEP first. I catch problems most parents miss — and I'll show you exactly what to reference in your dispute, with the specific IDEA citations you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an IEP goal 'measurable'?
Can the school refuse to rewrite goals?
What if the school says 'we've always done it this way'?
Find the violations before you fight
Upload your IEP and I'll review every section — you'll see exactly what to dispute and how.
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