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Basics of IEP Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives are written statements in the IEP that describe what the student will learn or focus on in the upcoming year in school. IEP goals look at building the overall skill, while the objectives can be described as the steps and expected timeline benchmarks to get there. The Connecticut IEP form includes the word benchmark with the objectives.

IEP Goals and Objectives:

• Are written by the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) each year
• Are expected to be achieved or mastered in one year
• Should be specific and measurable
• Should be written based on the student’s strengths and needs (present levels of performance)
• Should be ambitious, but attainable
• Should be aligned with grade-level standards
• Progress should be monitored and reported on throughout the school year

Here is an example of a goal with objectives/benchmarks:

Learn More

To learn more about IEP goals and objectives and what it looks like on the Connecticut IEP form, read our: Comprehensive Goals and Objectives