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.
Benchmarks / Short-Term Objectives in context
Benchmarks / Short-Term Objectives 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
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.
Progress Monitoring
Regular assessment of your child's performance to track whether they are making progress toward their IEP goals. The school must report progress to you at least as often as report cards are issued.
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.