How to Spot & Fix Weak IEP Goals

This free Blueprint shows you how to spot the weak points, rewrite a broken goal, and walk into your next meeting prepared.

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Step 1: Identify the Weak Spots

Goals that are not measurable or specific
Services without minutes, frequency, or delivery method
Outdated accommodations with no current data
Missing classroom input or up-to-date evaluations
Progress notes with vague phrases like "making progress"

Step 2: Rewrite The Goal

Weak: Johnny will improve reading skills.

Strong: By June, Johnny will read a 3rd grade passage at 95 words per minute with 90% accuracy in 3 out of 4 trials.

Math Example

Writing Example

Speech Example

Behavior Example

Step 3: Say it in Your Meeting

These are some of the exact phrases I use in real meetings to get services approved and vague goals fixed. Use them word for word.

Can we clarify how progress on this goal will be tracked between meetings?
What’s the baseline for this skill so we know what growth looks like?
Can we review accommodations added last year to see if they’re still a fit?
Can we add a log that tracks when support services are delivered?
If this goal is a repeat, what data shows it’s still needed?
Can we update the present level with current classroom performance?
What would it take to qualify for more support in this area?
How will general education teachers be informed of these supports?
Is there a system to ensure this accommodation is used every day?

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^{_{Any documented change to your child’s IEP—such as new services, increased support, revised goals, or updated placement—counts as measurable improvement/fix. If no such changes occur after completing these steps, we will provide personalized 1-on-1 troubleshooting support at no additional cost until results are achieved.}}

About Me

I’m Mary Vest, a certified Education Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Special Education and over 15 years of experience in special education. I’ve sat at hundreds of IEP tables, both as a teacher and as a parent advocate. I know how the system works, where it falls short, and how to make it work for your child. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unheard, you don’t have to navigate this alone. I’ve got your back!

_{The Advocate Ally provides educational content and resources designed to support parents and caregivers in understanding special education processes and advocacy strategies. We are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice. The information provided through our courses, downloads, videos, and consultations is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal counsel. For advice regarding your specific situation, we strongly recommend consulting a licensed attorney or qualified legal professional. Participation in The Advocate Ally programs does not create a client-professional relationship and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individualized legal guidance.
Results Guarantee Disclaimer: To qualify for our results guarantee, you must complete the course, implement the provided templates and scripts, and attend at least one live Q&A session. Any documented change to your child’s IEP—including new services, increased support, revised goals, or updated placement—counts as measurable improvement. If no such changes occur after completing these steps, we will provide personalized 1-on-1 troubleshooting support at no additional cost until results are achieved.}