Writing Compliant IEPs That Truly Support Student Growth 

It’s that time of year again. Spring break is fading in the rearview mirror, statewide testing is ramping up, and for special educators, that can only mean one thing—IEP season is in full swing. With calendars packed and deadlines looming, the temptation to copy and paste last year’s goals can be strong. But during our recent workshop, presenters Melissa Cook and Joanne Waltman reminded us that compliance isn’t the end goal—it’s the floor, not the ceiling. 

So how do we move beyond the trap of repeat IEPs? How do we write goals and plans that actually serve the unique needs of our students while remaining fully compliant with legal standards? 

Let’s explore how to move from minimally compliant to meaningfully compliant IEPs—ones that do more than check a box. They change lives. 

What Is a Meaningfully Compliant IEP? 

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to define the “what.” 

A minimally compliant IEP might technically meet IDEA requirements—it includes a goal, a service, and a timeline. But it often lacks clarity, specificity, and, most importantly, individualization. 

A meaningfully compliant IEP not only meets legal standards, but: 

• Clearly describes the student’s unique strengths and needs 

• Uses measurable, objective language 

• Aligns goals with the student’s present level of performance 

• Prioritizes realistic, trackable progress 

• Makes sense to anyone who picks it up and reads it 

As Melissa noted in the workshop, one way to test for meaningful compliance is to ask: “If a colleague picked up this IEP with no prior knowledge of the student, would they know exactly what is being measured and how success is defined?” 

The Pitfall of Vague Goals 

A common misstep in IEP writing is the use of vague, overly general language. For example: “The student will improve their math skills.” 

This might feel safe, but it’s actually unhelpful. What math skills? By how much? Over what timeframe? This kind of goal is difficult to measure, impossible to track, and ultimately fails to support student progress. 

Now let’s look at a meaningfully compliant version: “The student will accurately solve 2-digit + 2-digit addition problems with regrouping in 4 out of 5 opportunities over a four-week period.” 

This goal includes: 

• A specific skill (2-digit + 2-digit addition with regrouping) 

• A clear success measure (4 out of 5 correct) 

• A defined time period (four weeks) 

That’s the level of clarity we should aim for in every IEP. 

Use “The Rule of Three” When Reviewing Goals 

Melissa and Joanne shared a helpful mental checklist during the webinar: 

1. Is it Specific? Can you picture the skill or behavior? 

1. Is it Measurable? Can progress be tracked with data? 

1. Is it Understandable? Could another teacher or therapist implement it without guessing? 

If the answer to all three is yes, you’re probably on the right track. 

Why Repeat IEPs Happen—and How to Stop Them 

Repeat IEPs often arise from: 

• Time constraints 

• Lack of training 

• A culture of “that’s how we’ve always done it” 

• Fear of change or trying new strategies 

To stop the cycle: 

• Build time into your schedule for goal reflection 

• Keep baseline data handy so goals are based in current performance 

• Collaborate with team members early—don’t wait until the meeting to review data 

Most importantly, make space for creativity and intention. The IEP is more than a legal document—it’s a student’s learning plan for the year. 

Helpful Tools & AI Support 

Technology is catching up with our needs. Tools from TouchMath and others are now incorporating AI to help teachers write stronger IEP goals faster. If you find yourself staring at the screen thinking, “I know this isn’t specific enough, but I don’t know how to fix it,” AI can offer templates, suggestions, and even analyze your goal for compliance and clarity. 

Melissa emphasized, however, that AI is only a support—the educator still needs to review, refine, and personalize. 

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 Is Key 

IEP writing shouldn’t happen in a vacuum. Invite colleagues to peer-review goals. Share successful templates. Use your PLN (Professional Learning Network) to swap ideas and troubleshoot challenges. 

And don’t forget about families. A goal may be beautifully written, but if it doesn’t resonate with the family or align with their expectations, it won’t be meaningful. 

A compliant IEP isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about advocating for real growth. When we write with clarity, specificity, and purpose, we create a map that leads our students somewhere powerful. 

You are not just writing goals—you’re shaping futures. 

Need a Quick Check for IEP Quality?

Download our Important Aspects of a Meaningfully Compliant IEP checklist—your go-to guide for writing IEPs that go beyond compliance and truly support student success. Perfect for team discussions, self-checks, and professional development.