This year’s IEP goals read like last year’s, word for word
This year’s proposed goal reads like a copy of last year’s: same wording, same target number, while the present levels beside it still describe where your child stood a grade ago. Only if the record still backs it: where progress toward a goal fell short, the IEP is revised to address that shortfall, so a missed target gets a new goal, not a new date (34 CFR 300.324(b)). Start by pulling the IEP page or the letter the dispute turns on and writing down today’s date; every move below adds to that record.
What the rule says
“… annual goals, including academic and functional goals designed to meet the child’s needs that result from the child’s disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum.”
34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)(i)
A repeated goal spends a second year on a target the data already answered; the rule ties goals to your child’s needs now.
What to do this week, in order
Print last year’s goal and this year’s proposed goal on one sheet and underline every line that repeats.
A one-sheet printout with the repeats underlined
Pull the most recent progress reports for that goal and note whether they show the target reached, stalled, or short.
The progress reports tied to that goal
Ask whoever set the goal what current need the target is meant to address.
Your dated question and whatever comes back in reply34 CFR 300.324(a)(1)(iv)
If the reports show the earlier target was not reached, request an IEP meeting to set a new one instead of reissuing the old.
The scheduled meeting, plus whatever the team decides there34 CFR 300.324(b)(1)(ii)(A)
What to put in writing
Replace what sits in brackets and send it by email, so the date is fixed.
- To
- Whoever set this year’s goals, with a copy to the department head
Dear [IEP team member’s name], The goal on page [page] proposed for [child’s full name] repeats the wording and target set on [date of prior IEP], and the present levels beside it have not moved since then. Please share the progress data or evaluation results the team used before keeping this target, and tell me whether revising it was discussed and set aside for later. I would like the team’s reasoning in writing either way, before the goal moves forward as proposed. [Your name]
If the answer is no, it arrives as prior written notice: what was refused, why, and the records the district relied on (34 CFR 300.503(b)).
When to escalate, and to whom
Escalate when the written answer is a no, or when the record you built this week draws no answer at all.
| The path | The count | How it runs |
|---|---|---|
| A state complaint | 60 days to a decision | A signed letter to your state education agency about a violation inside the past year; the state decides in writing within 60 days.34 CFR 300.152(a), 300.153(c) |
| Mediation | Voluntary, at no cost to you | You and the district sit with an impartial mediator the state pays for; it can start before any complaint and may not delay a hearing.34 CFR 300.506(b) |
| A due process complaint | 2 years to file | A hearing before an impartial officer; the district holds a resolution meeting within 15 days, and the decision is due 45 days after the 30-day resolution period.34 CFR 300.507(a)(2), 300.510(a)(1), 300.515(a) |
Those counts are IDEA’s; your state may set its own window for due process, and publishes its own complaint form.
This page explains the federal rule, and it does not replace your state’s procedures, or advice from someone qualified to read your file.
Have the pages this dispute is about read back to you, free.
The review reads every page you upload, names the service, goal or wording that is vague or missing, and gives you its page number.
Review my IEP — freeFree, no card. It reads your pages and contacts no one.
Where this comes from
- Goals designed around current needs (300.320(a)(2))The clause quoted on this page.
- The yearly look at every goal (300.324(b))When the team looks again.
- The Supreme Court’s Endrew F. case, explainedQuestion 1: the IEP repeated yearly.
- Prior written notice (34 CFR 300.503)What every no owes you.
When the paragraph needs to become a full letter, the letter templates carry one for each request.