How to Write Strong, Measurable IEP Objectives 

Once you’ve crafted a solid, meaningfully compliant IEP goal, the next step is just as crucial: writing strong objectives. Think of IEP objectives as steppingstones—without them, students are left with a single, distant goal and no clear way to get there. 

During our workshop series, Melissa Cook and Joanne Waltman walked us through how to break down goals into skill-based, measurable objectives that support both instruction and progress monitoring. Whether you’re new to IEP writing or just looking to refine your process, this guide will help you write objectives that actually move students forward. 

Why Objectives Matter 

Objectives provide: 

• A roadmap for achieving the annual goal 

• Opportunities for incremental success 

• Clear data points for progress monitoring 

• A framework for differentiating instruction and support 

Without strong objectives, goals become lofty aspirations with no actionable plan. 

Breaking Down the Goal 

Let’s say your annual goal is: “The student will accurately solve 2-digit + 2-digit addition problems with regrouping in 4 out of 5 opportunities over a four-week period.” 

To write objectives, ask: 

• What skills are needed to reach this? 

• Where is the student starting from? 

• What are the logical milestones between the present level and this goal? 

Possible objectives might include: 

1. The student will identify place value of tens and ones in 2-digit numbers with 80% accuracy. 

1. The student will solve 2-digit + 2-digit addition problems without regrouping in 3 out of 4 opportunities. 

1. The student will use base ten blocks or visual models to solve 2-digit addition problems with regrouping, with 70% accuracy. 

Each objective is a building block, increasing in complexity and leading to mastery of the full goal. 

What Makes a Strong Objective? 

Use the SMART framework: 

• Specific: What exact skill is being worked on? 

• Measurable: Can it be tracked through data? 

• Achievable: Is it appropriate for the student’s level? 

• Relevant: Does it directly support the annual goal? 

• Time-bound: Is there a timeline for when this should be achieved? 

Here’s an example of a weak objective: “The student will do better at reading.” 
 

Versus a strong one: “The student will identify the main idea of a grade-level passage in 3 out of 5 reading comprehension tasks by the end of the semester.” 

The difference? Clarity, measurability, and purpose. 

Objective Writing Tips from the Workshop 

Melissa and Joanne shared a few key pointers for refining objectives: 

• Start with the baseline: Use the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) to guide where objectives begin. 

• Use active verbs: “Identify,” “solve,” “sequence,” “label,” etc. 

• Focus on observable skills: If you can’t see it or measure it, reword it. 

• Avoid vague terms: “Improve,” “understand,” or “demonstrate knowledge of” aren’t measurable by themselves. 

How Many Objectives? 

There’s no perfect number, but typically 2–4 objectives per annual goal offer enough detail without overwhelming educators or families. They should: 

• Be scaffolded in difficulty 

• Be aligned with instruction 

• Represent measurable checkpoints 

Using Tools & Technology 

TouchMath and other platforms are integrating features that allow educators to generate objectives based on student data and goal alignment. AI tools, in particular, can assist by: 

• Suggesting scaffolded objectives based on input data 

• Offering automated progress monitoring tools 

• Helping identify when students have plateaued or need additional support 

These tools are meant to support educators, not replace their judgment. You still make the final call. 

A Quick Note on Student Privacy and AI Use

When using AI to support IEP development or analyze student data, always follow your district’s privacy policies and FERPA guidelines. Avoid inputting personally identifiable information into any platform unless it is approved by your district and meets all data protection standards. 

Choose AI tools that are specifically designed with education and student privacy in mind—and when in doubt, consult with your IT or legal team before use. 

Collaboration Makes It Stronger 

Don’t write in isolation. When possible: 

• Work with co-teachers, therapists, or service providers to ensure the objectives fit across settings 

• Share drafts with families—they often provide insights into how a skill shows up at home 

• Consider inviting students into the conversation, especially with older learners 

Strong IEP objectives don’t just help you track progress—they help students experience progress. They break big goals into bite-sized, achievable wins and keep the learning focused and purposeful. 

If you’ve ever felt like an IEP goal was floating too far out of reach, objectives are your anchor. Use them well. 

Want to dive deeper into these strategies?

This blog is based on insights from our live webinar series on writing better IEPs. If you found this helpful, you’ll love the full sessions—packed with real-world examples, tools, and practical tips you can start using right away.