Well, I'm going to use the criteria known as s.m.a.r.t Goals. This can help you with evaluating the IEP Goals and therapy goals to see if they are accomplishing what you want. I use to write goals for a number of areas in my son's life that I saw as a parent's responsibility rather than and educator or therapist.
- S----Specific and Strategic Answers the question who are what. Example: Ron will be able to walk to class without an adult's assistance. He will get out of the car and walk to class. He will go in if the door is unlocked. If it is locked, he will sit in the chair in the hallway next to the room door and read a book from his backpack until the teacher arrives.
- M---Measurable Answers the question how. After instruction and an adult showing him the process and expectations, a chaining approach will be used. Each week one aspect of the task will be given over to Ron without adult help. Ron will add the new independent task to the other tasks he has mastered. The tasks will be added until the whole routine is independent.
- Attainable---Goals are realistic. Many times a parent feels it should be realistic but once the process starts, the goals need to be adjusted to make them more attainable.
- Relevant---The goal is relevant to things that the child needs to learn. In this case, a child of 10 years old should be able to occupy himself with an activity and doesn't need adult supervision for a 5-10 minute interval.
- Time Frame----There is a distinct beginning and ending to when the goal should be accomplished.
As you evaluate your child's many goal area.....keep this criteria in mind. Don't be afraid to tell a provider that you don't like a goal. Make sure the goals are smart goals.
