How to write measurable IEP goals and get them implemented, experts say

Ivan urged parents to insist that IEP goals specify what will be taught, how it will be taught and who will do it. "A goal should say what we're trying to accomplish, how we're trying to accomplish it," he told the audience, adding that the more explicit a goal is, the easier it is to check whether staff followed it and whether progress occurred.

He also recommended that goals be achievable within a school year and tied to present-level assessments. If staff cannot show data that an intervention was implemented as written, parents have grounds to request an interim IEP meeting or further review. Ivan encouraged parents to provide assessments, therapists or advocates who can document implementation.