Which of the following is an example of an appropriate IEP goal?

Which of the following is an example of an appropriate IEP goal?

• A. John will read at a 6th grade level by next year
• B. John will independently read a 4th grade passage with 80% accuracy
• C. John will complete all homework assignments
• D. John will improve his social skills

Answer: (B)

The goal that states John will independently read a 4th-grade passage with 80% accuracy is appropriate for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This goal provides clear criteria for assessing John’s reading proficiency, focusing on his ability to read a specific grade-level passage accurately. The goal indicates not only what John is expected to accomplish (reading a passage) but also the standard by which his performance will be evaluated (80% accuracy), making it easy to track progress over time. In contrast, the other options lack one or more elements of an effective IEP goal. For example, stating that John will read at a 6th-grade level is vague and does not specify how this achievement will be measured or when it is to be accomplished. Completing all homework assignments does not provide a clear measure of academic learning or skill enhancement. Lastly, improving social skills is too broad and subjective, lacking specific behaviors or outcomes that could be observed and measured.

The goal that states John will independently read a 4th-grade passage with 80% accuracy is appropriate for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This goal provides clear criteria for assessing John’s reading proficiency, focusing on his ability to read a specific grade-level passage accurately. The goal indicates not only what John is expected to accomplish (reading a passage) but also the standard by which his performance will be evaluated (80% accuracy), making it easy to track progress over time.

In contrast, the other options lack one or more elements of an effective IEP goal. For example, stating that John will read at a 6th-grade level is vague and does not specify how this achievement will be measured or when it is to be accomplished. Completing all homework assignments does not provide a clear measure of academic learning or skill enhancement. Lastly, improving social skills is too broad and subjective, lacking specific behaviors or outcomes that could be observed and measured.