What are IEP goals required to include according to federal law?

The accurate requirement according to federal law regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is that IEP goals must include measurement methods and progress review timelines. This means that for every goal set within the IEP, there should be specific criteria detailing how progress toward that goal will be measured, as well as the frequency with which progress will be reviewed. This ensures that the educational team can track the student's development effectively and adjust strategies as needed to meet the student's unique needs.

The emphasis on measurement and timelines is crucial because it aligns with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that IEPs be designed to be both actionable and assessable. This structured approach helps educators and parents monitor student progress and is integral for ensuring that the educational goals are being met in a timely manner.

While components such as social skills development, individual student interests, and standardized test scores may play a role in some IEPs, they are not federally mandated inclusions for IEP goals. This distinction reinforces the focus on measurable outcomes, which is essential for informed educational planning and accountability in the special education process.