The School Is Lowering My Child's IEP Goals Instead of Increasing Support

When your child doesn't meet a goal, the school lowers the bar instead of increasing support. Here's how to ask for a data-based plan.

Mary, Special Education Advocate
Expert Reviewedby Mary

"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 special education resource because too many parents feel pressured to accept generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.

The guidance below is grounded in the same practical, document-based questions I raise in IEP meetings every day. Use it to ask for clearer, more individualized support for your child.

Mary

Founder, The Advocate Ally

What's Happening

Your child didn't meet their IEP goal. Instead of investigating why and increasing services, the school's solution is to make the goal easier.

Your Legal Rights

Under IDEA, when a student fails to make adequate progress, the IEP team must consider increasing services or changing methodology—not simply lowering expectations.

  • The IEP team must address lack of progress by revising the program, not just the goal.
  • You have the right to an explanation of why progress wasn't made and what changes will be implemented.
  • You can request additional evaluations to determine if the current program is appropriate.
  • You can file a complaint if the school is systematically lowering expectations.

What To Do Right Now

1

Compare the old goals with the proposed new ones. If the new goal is easier, flag it.

2

Ask: 'My child didn't meet this goal. What instructional changes are you making to the program?'

3

Request progress monitoring data from the current year to see if the intervention methodology is working.

4

If the school insists on lowering goals, refuse to sign and request a PWN.

Don't Go Into This Blind

Before you send a letter or file a complaint, start with the written IEP. The audit can flag documented gaps, weak language, and sections that may deserve a written question or closer professional review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ever appropriate to lower a goal?
Only if the original goal was inappropriately set (too high given baseline data). If the intervention simply isn't working, the methodology needs to change, not the goal.
What should happen when a goal isn't met?
The team should analyze WHY it wasn't met, review the data, and either increase services, change the teaching method, or provide additional supports.
Can I bring my own data to the meeting?
Absolutely. Independent data from tutors, therapists, or your own observations can and should be presented.
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