SMART IEPs - Learning About SMART IEPs - Specific, Measurable, Action Words, Realistic and Relevant, Time-limited

Sep 28, 2026

Explains how to define and write SMART IEP goals and objectives so they are clear, trackable, and appropriate for students with disabilities. Covers five components: specific targets, measurable performance that can be counted or observed, the use of action words, goals that are realistic and relevant to individual needs, and time-limited objectives for monitoring progress. Includes example goals and presents a year-long model with present levels and regular measurement intervals.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Learning About SMART IEPs

The SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Action Words, Realistic and Relevant, Time-limited

Specific goals and objectives

Measurable goals and objectives

Action words in IEP goals

Realistic and relevant goals

Time-limited goals and progress monitoring

Smart IEP goals and objectives and IDEA 2004 requirements

12 SMART IEPs “If you’re not sure where you’re going, you’re liable to end up someplace else. If you don’t know where you’re going, the best made maps won’t help you get there.” —Robert Mager, psychologist, writer, educator If you are like many parents, you feel anxious and insecure at IEP meetings. What do you know? What can you offer? What should you do? Some parents believe that if they are not educators, they have nothing of value to offer in planning their child’s educational program. Other parents realize that their child’s IEP is not appropriate but do not know how to resolve the problem. Diane belongs to this group: I do not think my son’s IEP is appropriate. The only goal is ‘Commitment to academic success.’ I imagine ‘Commitment to academic success’ is appropriate for all students. If ‘Commitment to academic success’ is not appropriate, what should I propose? How are measurable goals deﬁned? Can you give me an example of a well-written IEP? (Diane, parent of 15-year-old special education student) Diane represents countless parents who are confused about IEP goals and objectives. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you are probably confused too. How do you write IEP goals and objectives? Do you agree with Diane when she says,“Commitment to academic success is not an appropriate goal?” Learning About SMART IEPs The term SMART IEPs describes IEPs that are speciﬁc, measurable, use action words, are realistic and relevant, and time-limited. S Speciﬁc M Measurable A Use Action Words R Realistic and relevant T Time-limited Let’s examine each of these concepts. [www.fetaweb.com](www.fetaweb.com) SMART IEPs 115 Speciﬁc SMART IEPs have speciﬁc goals and objectives. Speciﬁc goals target areas of academic achievement and functional performance. They include clear descriptions of the knowledge and skills that will be taught and how the child’s progress will be measured. Look at these two goals. Which one is speciﬁc? Dylan will increase study skills for academic success. Dylan will demonstrate the following study skills: skimming written material and use reference materials in social studies class. Measurable SMART IEPs have measurable goals and objectives. Measurable means you can count or observe it. Measurable goals allow parents and teachers to know how much progress the child has made since the performance was last measured. With measurable goals, you will know when the child reaches the goal. Which of these two goals is measurable and observable? Owen will improve his reading skills. Given second grade material, Owen will read a passage of text orally at 110- 130 wpm with random errors. Action Words IEP goals include three components that must be stated in measurable terms: (a) direction of behavior (increase, decrease, maintain, etc. ) (b) area of need (i.e., reading, writing, social skills, transition, communication, etc.) (c) level of attainment (i.e., to age level, without assistance, etc.) SMART IEPs use action words like: “The child will be able to ”Which of these goals is speciﬁc, measurable and includes action words? Betsy will decrease her anger and violation of school rules. Provided with anger management training and adult support, Betsy will be able to remove herself from environments that cause her to lose control of her behavior so that she has no disciplinary notices. Realistic and Relevant SMART IEPs have realistic, relevant goals and objectives that address the child’s unique needs that result from the disability. SMART IEP goals are not based on district curricula, state or district tests, or other external standards. Which of these goals is speciﬁc, measurable and realistic? 116 SMART IEPs [www.fetaweb.com](www.fetaweb.com) Kelsey will demonstrate improved writing skills. Kelsey will improve her writing and spelling skills so she can write a clear, cohesive, and readable paragraph consisting of at least 3 se

FAQs

What does SMART in SMART IEPs mean?

SMART IEPs describe IEP goals that are specific, measurable, use action words, are realistic and relevant, and are time-limited.

How do you make an IEP goal measurable?

Measurable goals are those you can count or observe, so parents and teachers can tell how much progress the child has made since the last measurement and know when the goal is reached.

Why are SMART IEP goals time-limited?

Time-limited goals define what the child needs to know and be able to do after one year, based on starting present levels, and they enable regular monitoring at consistent intervals.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Olivia Brown