Annual Goals
Measurable goals in your child's IEP that describe what they should be able to accomplish within one year. Goals should be specific, measurable, and based on your child's present levels of performance.
Annual Goals in context
Annual Goals comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. Rules and timelines can also vary by state — find your state's parent training centers and dispute options in our State IEP Guides.
If this term affects your child's annual goals, test whether they are measurable using our free IEP Goal Checker or follow our step-by-step IEP Annual Review Checklist.
Related Terms
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan created for your child that describes their current abilities, sets learning goals, and lists the special education services they will receive. It's a legal document that the school must follow.
Present Levels of Performance (PLOP/PLAAFP)
A section of the IEP that describes how your child is currently performing academically and functionally. It's the starting point for setting goals and planning services.
Benchmarks / Short-Term Objectives
Smaller steps that break down an annual goal into manageable pieces. They help track your child's progress toward the larger goal throughout the year.
SMART Goals
Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. IEP goals should follow the SMART framework so progress can be clearly tracked.
Have a goal you're not sure about?
Check a Goal — Free, No Signup →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.