Math Problem Solving IEP goals for middle school (grades 6 to 8)
48 of the math problem solving templates in the library are written for middle school (grades 6 to 8). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
48 templates · 1 skill · 6–8 · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Math Problem Solving Math
Follow a problem-solving routine for word problems
Problem-solving routine
By the annual IEP review date, given a one- or two-step word problem during independent math work, the student will complete the steps of the taught problem-solving routine without a cue card, performing at least 8 of 9 steps independently, on 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected weekly.
Solve multi-step word problems with a complete written solution
Multi-step word problems
By the annual IEP review date, given a two-step word problem that requires two different operations, the student will write a complete solution that shows a plan, the work for each step, and a labeled answer independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row multi-step problem rubric (0–3 points per row), on 3 of 4 consecutive scored samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Identify the problem type and operation before solving
Identifying problem type and operation
By the annual IEP review date, when given a one-step word problem, before solving it, the student will name the problem type (total, difference, change, equal groups, or comparison) and the operation to use independently in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive data collection sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
Find totals and determine if there is enough money
Money problems with a calculator
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 shopping scenarios with 2 to 4 priced items and a set amount of money, the student will use a calculator to find the total cost and state whether there is enough money independently with at least 80% accuracy on shopping scenarios, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Estimate before solving and check reasonableness
Estimating and checking reasonableness
By the annual IEP review date, when solving a multi-digit word problem during independent math work, the student will write an estimate before solving and compare the final answer to the estimate independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive data collection sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
Solve one-step multiplication and division word problems
One-step multiplication and division word problems
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 one-step multiplication and division word problems with factors to 10, including equal groups, arrays and comparison problems, with text read aloud on request, the student will write an equation and the labeled answer for each problem independently with at least 80% accuracy on one-step word problems, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Middle school math problem solving goals account for multiple teachers, changing classes, and more independent work. They often pair the skill with a strategy or tool, and the data can be collected across settings by different staff or by the student.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
- Task-analysis checklistMarks each step of a routine as independent, with support, or not completed across sessions.Used by 2 goals here
- Rubric trackerScores each rubric criterion and totals the score for each sample.Used by 7 goals here
- Opportunity trackerRecords each opportunity as independent, prompted, or not demonstrated.Used by 14 goals here
- Accuracy trackerNumber correct out of number attempted, with percent accuracy and support level.Used by 25 goals here
Frequently asked questions
How are math problem solving goals measured across several middle school classes?
By defining the task and the observation period so any teacher can use the same sheet, or by work samples collected from more than one class. Student self-monitoring with a weekly check is common.
Should middle school goals include study skills?
When assessment shows that organization, planning, or test preparation limits the student's progress, yes. Those goals are measured with task-analysis checklists and percent of assignments completed.
When does transition planning start?
The IEP in effect when the student turns 16 must include postsecondary goals and transition services, and many states start at 14. Middle school goals can build the self-advocacy and independence those plans rely on.
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