Why are annual goals and short-term instructional objectives important?
Annual goals and short-term instructional objectives allow you to track your child’s progress in school and help you determine if your child’s educational program is appropriate. [34 C.F.R. Part 300, App. C, No. 37.] Goals and objectives are also important because they help form and guide your child’s specific instructional plans. An IEP is not designed to be a detailed instructional plan (see Question 17below), but instructional plans must relate directly to IEP goals and objectives. The best way for you as parents to influence the specific instruction your child receives is to participate in developing appropriate IEP goals and objectives. [34 C.F.R. Part 300, App. C, No. 41.] The goals and objectives define what kind of special education program and related services the school district must provide. The school district must provide the programs and services necessary to meet the goals and objectives in your child’s IEP. If your child needs a particular kind of special education prog
