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Short-term objective

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A short-term objective is a smaller, measurable step toward an annual IEP goal, usually expected within a grading period or part of the year.

Topic: The IEP document

In plain terms

Objectives break an annual goal into parts. They can step up the criterion (60%, then 70%, then 80%), reduce support (from a model to a verbal prompt to independence), or move through a skill sequence (CVC words, then blends, then two-syllable words). Federal law requires objectives or benchmarks only for students who take alternate assessments on alternate achievement standards, but many states require them more widely.

How it shows up in an IEP

Objectives should measure the same skill in the same unit as the annual goal, so the same data sheet tracks both. They make progress reports more useful, because each quarter has a concrete target to compare against.

Example

For an annual goal of 90% accuracy on two-digit addition with regrouping, objectives target 70% by November, 80% by February and 90% by May, each on a 10-problem probe.

Not the same as Benchmark

Objectives usually break the skill into steps; benchmarks describe the expected level at points in the year. Many teams use the words interchangeably. Read the definition of Benchmark.

The rule

Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii).

Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.

Related terms

  • Benchmark (IEP)In an IEP, a benchmark is an expected level of performance at a set point in the year, marking progress toward an annual goal.
  • 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.
  • Alternate assessmentAn alternate assessment is a state test, based on alternate achievement standards, for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
  • Progress report (IEP)An IEP progress report tells parents, on a schedule stated in the IEP, how much progress the student is making toward each annual goal.
  • Mastery criteriaMastery criteria state how consistently a student must reach a goal's criterion, such as on three consecutive probes, before the goal counts as met.

On IEP Atlas

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.