Short-Term Objectives
IEP ProcessDefinition
Intermediate steps that break down an annual IEP goal into smaller, measurable components. While IDEA only requires objectives for students who take alternate assessments, many states and districts include them for all students. Objectives help track incremental progress toward the annual goal.
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Measurable goals written into the IEP that describe what a child is expected to achieve within one year. Goals should be specific, measurable, and based on the child's present levels. They guide the specially designed instruction and services the child will receive.
Major milestones within an IEP goal that indicate expected progress at specific intervals during the year. Similar to short-term objectives, benchmarks help the IEP team assess whether a student is on track to meet their annual goals.
The systematic, ongoing collection of data to assess whether a student is making adequate progress toward IEP goals or responding to an intervention. Progress monitoring uses brief, repeated assessments (like CBMs) to track growth and inform instructional decisions.
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