What must annual goals in a student's IEP be based on?

Annual goals in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be described in measurable terms to ensure that progress can be tracked effectively. This means that the goals should be specific, quantifiable, and clearly articulated so that both educators and parents can understand what is expected. For example, instead of stating a goal like "improve reading skills," a measurable goal would specify "increase reading fluency to 90 words per minute with 95% accuracy by the end of the year."

Using measurable terms allows for consistent assessments to be made throughout the year, enabling adjustments to be made to instructional strategies as needed based on the student's progress. This focus on measurable outcomes is essential for demonstrating the effectiveness of the educational interventions and for ensuring that the student is making meaningful progress toward their individual learning objectives.