How to write effective EHCP goals
- littlegemsspeechth
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Information taken from a podcast by Dr Karen Dudek-Brannan at SLP Now
Basic Goal Structure
The basic syntax of a goal is: "Student will do X with Y"
X = observable behavior (what you can physically see the student doing)
Y = level of accuracy or measurement
Key Principles for Writing Effective EHCP Goals
1. Focus on Observable Behaviors
Avoid vague terms like "comprehend" or "understand"
Instead use observable actions like:
"Define and describe words with 2-3 attributes"
"Say/write a sentence" (for syntax goals)
"Answer a question about a sentence"
"Segment a word into morphemes"
2. Consider Trials vs. Percentage Accuracy
For complex language tasks, trials may be better than percentage accuracy
For tasks with multiple steps or longer processes (like writing), it's often better to assess whether they completed specific elements rather than using percentages
Percentage accuracy works well for skills like articulation where you can get many trials
3. Separate Goals from Accommodations
Goals should focus on what the student will do, not what supports the clinician provides
Avoid making goals overly wordy by including too many accommodations
Consider whether supports should be:
Part of the goal (if fading prompts is the objective)
Listed as accommodations elsewhere in the EHCP
Simply part of good therapy practice
4. Balance Process vs. End Product
Especially for executive functioning goals, consider both:
The end product (completed essay, organized materials)
The process/strategies used to get there (planning, self-talk, visualization)
For some students, the strategy acquisition may be as important as the end result
5. Coordinate with the IEP Team
Consider how your goals complement what other team members are working on
Think about your unique role on the special education team
Dr. Karen emphasizes that understanding the framework for what you're teaching (language or executive functioning) should come before writing goals. She recommends starting with simple goals and making them more specific as you work with the student. Entire podcast can be heard at https://slpnow.com/blog/how-to-write-iep-goals-an-expert-guide-for-slps/
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