What is a characteristic of well-written IEP goals?

A characteristic of well-written IEP goals is that they are designed to be understood by everyone. This means that IEP goals should be clear, precise, and written in language that can be understood by all stakeholders involved, including educators, specialists, and parents or guardians. By ensuring clarity and simplicity, everyone who is working to support the student can easily grasp the goals and work collaboratively toward achieving them.

In contrast, goals that are intended primarily for professionals or familiar parents may create barriers for others who are less familiar with the jargon of special education. Vague goals that are open to interpretation undermine the accountability and tracking of a student's progress, and goals that are not measurable do not provide a framework for assessing whether the student is making strides toward meeting their educational objectives. Thus, clarity and measurability are key components of effective IEP goals.