IEP Goals in Idaho: What Parents Need to Know
What makes an IEP goal measurable in Idaho?
Idaho IEP goals must be measurable annual goals designed to meet the student's disability-related needs and enable involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.02; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)). Unlike some states, Idaho does not require benchmarks or short-term objectives for all students — this is required only for students who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards (consistent with federal law). Goals must be written in observable, measurable terms with clear criteria for mastery. The IEP must include a description of how progress toward each annual goal will be measured, and the method and frequency for reporting progress to parents. Progress toward annual goals must be reported to parents at least as frequently as progress is reported for nondisabled students (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.03; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)). The IEP team reviews goals at least annually and must revise goals when the student is not making sufficient progress, when reevaluation data indicate changed needs, or when other circumstances warrant revision (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
What Idaho Requires
Annual goals must be measurable and address disability-related needs to enable progress in the general education curriculum (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.02; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)).
Benchmarks or short-term objectives are required only for students with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards; they are not required for all students (34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)(ii); IDAPA 08.02.03.110.02).
The IEP must include a description of how progress toward each annual goal will be measured (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.03; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)).
Progress reports on IEP goals must be provided to parents at least as frequently as progress is reported on nondisabled students (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.03; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)).
Goals must be revised when the student is not making expected progress or when changed circumstances warrant revision (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
Key Timelines
Annual goals cover a one-year period and are reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
Progress reports must be issued at least as frequently as report cards for nondisabled students (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.03; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)).
Goals must be revised before the next annual review if the student is not making expected progress and parents are so informed (IDAPA 08.02.03.110; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).