Measurable postsecondary goals
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Measurable postsecondary goals state what a student plans to do after high school in education or training, employment and, if needed, independent living.
Topic: Transition and adult life
In plain terms
Unlike annual goals, postsecondary goals describe outcomes after high school, not skills to be mastered this year. They should be written so it is clear whether they happened: "After graduation, the student will enroll in a two-year program in culinary arts" or "will work part time in a retail store." They come from transition assessment and the student's own preferences.
How it shows up in an IEP
Each postsecondary goal should be supported by transition services and at least one annual goal that builds toward it. Goals are updated each year as the student's plans become clearer.
Example
Postsecondary goals: "After high school, the student will complete a certified nursing assistant course" and "will work as a CNA." An annual goal targets reading medical vocabulary.
Not the same as Annual goal
An annual goal is a skill to reach within the IEP year. A postsecondary goal is what the student will do after high school. Read the definition of Annual goal.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.320(b)(1).
Related terms
- Transition servicesTransition services are coordinated activities in the IEP that help a student move from school to adult life: further education, work and independent living.
- Age-appropriate transition assessmentAge-appropriate transition assessment is the ongoing gathering of information about a student's strengths, interests and needs for life after high school.
- Course of studyThe course of study is the multi-year list of classes and experiences in the transition IEP that leads toward the student's postsecondary goals.
- Annual goalAn annual goal is a statement in the IEP of what the student is expected to achieve within one year in an area of need.
- Self-determinationSelf-determination is a person's ability and opportunity to make choices, set goals and take action toward the life they want.
On IEP Atlas
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