Individual Education Plans & Goals for Children

Laws require a child with special needs in schools to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This document, developed by a collaborative team of school personnel, teachers and parents, outlines a child's goals and objectives during the school year. Understanding the process helps ensure your child receives the best educational services possible.

Basic Components of an IEP

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) '97, an IEP must contain documentation of a child's current performance level in school. This can be accomplished through a variety of formal and informal assessments given by the teacher, school psychologist or physician. Goals and objectives must be outlined in such a way that they can be measured and followed. In addition, the document must include a list of classroom modifications needed to include the student, as well as information regarding how to notify parents of a student's progress towards these goals and objectives.

Least Restrictive Environment

Part of the IEP states the location where the child receives the outlined services. IDEA requires a student to be placed in the "least restrictive environment." This means the child receives education in an environment with his typically-developing peers as much as possible. This is the idea behind inclusion, and modifications for the child with special needs should be provided in a general education classroom if possible.

Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives make up a large part of a child's IEP. These skills and tasks that the child needs to work on during the year are written in a very specific format. A broad goal is developed based on the child's individual need, and smaller objectives are outlined underneath the goal. These goals explain how to help a child reach that larger goal. Goals and objectives should be written in a way that makes them measurable. This means that a student's progress can be evaluated so that the proper changes in technique or modifications can be made throughout the year.

Continued Assessment and Evaluation

Continually assessing the child's progress is key to her success and development. The reason behind writing measurable goals and objectives is that they should be evaluated regularly. This can be accomplished through teacher, parent and school personal evaluation and observation. Also, more formal assessments may be appropriate to keep track of a child's continued development. If a student is not progressing forward, an IEP meeting should be called to reevaluate the methods used with the child.