Understanding IEP Goals
IEP goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that outline what a student is expected to achieve in a particular area. For physical therapy, IEP goals should focus on improving the student's physical function, mobility, and motor skills. When creating IEP goals, it's essential to consider the student's current level of functioning, their strengths and weaknesses, and their individualized needs. When developing IEP goals, consider the following tips:- Ensure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
- Use action verbs such as "will," "can," and "improve"
- Make sure the goal is aligned with the student's educational and therapeutic needs
- Collaborate with the IEP team, including the student's teacher, parents, and other relevant professionals
Developing Physical Therapy IEP Goals
Physical Therapy IEP Goal Examples
Here are some examples of physical therapy IEP goals:- Balance and Mobility
- Student will improve their balance and mobility while walking by increasing their ability to maintain a steady gait for 10 feet without assistance.
- Student will demonstrate improved balance and mobility by completing a series of obstacle courses with minimal assistance.
- Range of Motion and Flexibility
- Student will improve their range of motion in their shoulders by increasing their ability to lift their arms above their head without assistance.
- Student will demonstrate improved flexibility by completing a series of stretching exercises without discomfort.
- Self-Care and Daily Living Skills
- Student will improve their ability to dress themselves by increasing their independence in fastening buttons and tying shoelaces.
- Student will demonstrate improved self-care skills by completing a series of daily living tasks such as brushing their teeth and combing their hair without assistance.
- Functional Ability
- Student will improve their functional ability in their daily activities by increasing their ability to carry a book bag and navigate a series of stairs without assistance.
- Student will demonstrate improved functional ability by completing a series of daily tasks such as making their bed and feeding a pet without assistance.
Assessing Progress and Making Adjustments
Once the IEP goals are implemented, it's essential to regularly assess the student's progress and make adjustments as needed. This may involve:- Monitoring the student's progress through regular assessments and evaluations
- Making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed to ensure the student is meeting their IEP goals
- Collaborating with the IEP team to ensure the goals are aligned with the student's educational and therapeutic needs
| Goal | Target | Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Student will improve their balance and mobility while walking by increasing their ability to maintain a steady gait for 10 feet without assistance. | By the end of the quarter, the student will be able to maintain a steady gait for 10 feet without assistance. | Use a stopwatch to measure the student's gait, provide visual feedback and support, and increase the distance gradually. |
| Student will demonstrate improved balance and mobility by completing a series of obstacle courses with minimal assistance. | By the end of the quarter, the student will be able to complete a series of obstacle courses with minimal assistance. | Use a balance beam or a narrow board, provide verbal cues and support, and increase the difficulty of the obstacle course gradually. |