SMARTER Steps to IEP Goals: Save Time and Optimize Outcomes - Killy Ott, MHS, MEd, CCC-SLP and Lara Wakefield, PhD, CCC-SLP

This course is a longer version of another course with a similar name. It includes more detail.

This workshop will focus on teaching the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. steps framework that SLPs can use to develop IEP goals that align with legal mandates. These steps contain a variety of time-saving tips to help SLPs understand the legal jargon to become empowered in their roles on IEP teams. The presentation explores the following components of an IEP goal: 1) Specific; 2) Measurable; 3) Attainable; 4) Research-based; 5) Teachable; 6) Evaluated and communicated to parents; and 7) Relevant to target standards/curricula. Examples of SMARTER IEP goals will be provided to demonstrate the strategy so that participants can have a bank of goals for reference.

Participants will take real scenarios and share situations for problem-solving within the framework so they can take back practical advice to their IEP teams. Research on the need for compliant IEP goals will be presented related to the US Dept. of Education's most recent findings (2014-17) that half the states do not meet expectations for IEP students. Implications of these findings will be discussed as it relates to federal funding being tied to test results and progress on IEP goals. Also, recent court decisions will be reviewed related to the importance of school districts developing SMARTER goals. S.M.A.R.T.E.R. IEP goals are imperative for future SLP services.