For teachers, related service providers, and districts who need clear, measurable IEP goals—quickly & confidently

Get The Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank

1,345 Adaptable IEP Goals Across 6 Domains & 78 Skill Areas

Write compliant, student-focused IEP goals in minutes with clear, measurable examples you can easily filter and sort by domain or skill. Each goal follows a consistent framework, and when applicable, aligns to Common Core State Standards

Created by educators for educators

Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank
  • Aligned to Common Core when applicable
  • ️Fully sortable, filterable & editable spreadsheet format
  •  Write IDEA-compliant IEP goals in minutes
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Why THIS IEP Goal Bank?

Clear, measurable goals you can adapt in minutes, with Common Core mappings where applicable

Covers 78 Core Skills Across All Ages

Academic, functional, and executive-function domains from early learners to transition-age students. Written for clarity and easy adaptation.

Built for Compliance Without the Headache

A consistent, legally sound framework so you can write compliant IEPs faster and with confidence.

Mapped to the Common Core Standards

So you can jump through hoops at breakneck speed, with 509 goals already aligned to Common Core where applicable.

Fully Sortable, Filterable, and Editable

Find what you need in seconds. Copy, adapt, and add notes directly in Excel or Google Sheets.

Created by a Seasoned Special Educator Who’s Been There

Written by Chris Hanson, former special education teacher, to make goal writing faster and less frustrating.

Works with real student-needs—not generic copy/paste

Every goal is written to reflect real instructional needs so you’re not choosing bland, one-size-fits-all statements.

1,054 Academic & Functional IEP Goals

Covers academic, functional, adaptive, communication, and transition skill areas

  • 349 English language arts goals (subskills: Reading: Foundational Skills, Reading for Informational Text, Language, Speaking & Listening, Writing)
  • 92 math goals (subskills: Geometry, Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement & Data, Number & Operations in Base Ten)
  • 135 communication goals (subskills: Pragmatics, Receptive Language, Expressive Language)
  • 255 social/behavior goals (subskills: Peer Interaction, Self-Regulation, Coping Skills, Emotional Regulation, Self-Advocacy)
  • 140 adaptive/independent living goals (subskills: Hygiene, Safety, Cleaning/Housekeeping, Community Skills)
  • 83 transition goals (subskills: Independent Living, Employment, Education/Training)

Subskills listed above are examples and not an exhaustive list.

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Common Core Aligned

509 of the 1,345 goals in this bank are directly mapped to Common Core State Standards. These alignments, applied where applicable, make it simple to connect IEP objectives to grade-level expectations in reading, writing, and math — saving you time during planning and compliance reviews.

CCSS aligned IEP goals

Aligned goals are clearly labeled within the spreadsheet with the clickable CCSS Code, Grade/Band & CCSS Description, so you can find, filter, and reference them without cross-referencing external standards documents.

Academic & Functional IEP Goal Examples

Real examples drawn directly from the Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank

English Language Arts

By the end of the IEP period, when given a list of CVC-pattern words, [Student Name] will decode each aloud with at least 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 sessions as measured by teacher records.

Math

By the end of the IEP period, when given real-life word problems, [Student Name] will read the problem, select needed units, and compute answers with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 sessions as measured by teacher data.

Communication

By the end of the IEP period, when needing assistance, [Student Name] will request help using a complete sentence in 4 of 5 opportunities in classroom settings as measured by teacher data.

Social/Behavior

By the end of the IEP period, when provided a self-calming strategy, [Student Name] will use it and return to task within 2 minutes in 3 of 4 sessions as measured by teacher records.

Adaptive/Independent Living

By the end of the IEP period, when making a purchase in a school store or community setting, [Student Name] will count exact payment and verify change with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 opportunities as measured by teacher data.

Transition

By the end of the IEP period, when shown a weekly schedule, [Student Name] will record appointments and due dates in a planner with 90% accuracy during weekly teacher checks as measured by planner review.

291 Executive Function IEP Goals

Each goal is written through a classroom-ready lens, aligning naturally with core academic areas while focusing on observable behaviors educators can measure and support

  • 25 task initiation goals
  • 33 planning goals
  • 37 organization goals
  • 27 time management goals
  • 25 working memory goals
  • 29 attentional control goals
  • 19 cognitive flexibility goals
  • 28 problem-solving goals
  • 40 self-monitoring goals
  • 17 emotional control goals
  • 10 impulse control goals
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Executive Function IEP Goal Examples

Pulled directly from the executive function section of the Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank

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Task Initiation

By the end of the IEP period, when provided a visual or verbal cue, [Student Name] will begin a non-preferred task within 1 minute in 3 of 4 instances as measured by teacher data.

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Planning

By the end of the IEP period, when given a multi-step class assignment, [Student Name] will create a step-by-step plan and start with the first step independently in 4 of 5 opportunities as measured by work samples.

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Organization

By the end of the IEP period, when assigned written work, [Student Name] will use a checklist to include a beginning, middle, and end in 4 of 5 pieces as measured by rubric.

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Time management

By the end of the IEP period, with a visual timer, [Student Name] will allocate work time and submit tasks by the agreed deadline in 4 of 5 opportunities as measured by teacher records.

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Self-monitoring

By the end of the IEP period, after completing a class task, [Student Name] will compare work to criteria and correct at least one error in 4 of 5 assignments as measured by teacher observation.

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Impulse Control

By the end of the IEP period, when given a writing assignment, [Student Name] will begin writing within one minute in 4 out of 5 opportunities with 90% on-time initiation during language arts as measured by latency recording.

Get Your Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank

Individual educator license with unlimited student use. Instant download after checkout.

Individual License

$

29

Licensed for one educator or clinician with unlimited students.

Secure checkout. Instant access after payment.

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FAQs

Can I copy and paste these goals directly into my students’ IEPs?

No. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 C.F.R. §300.320(a)(2)(i), every IEP must include measurable annual goals designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Copying and pasting pre-written goals from any source, including this one, would not meet that requirement.

This resource is meant to inspire and guide your goal writing process, not replace it. Educators and IEP teams should adapt examples based on student data, assessments, and team collaboration to ensure individualized, compliant goals.

Are these goals compliant with IDEA requirements?

Yes. Each goal follows a consistent, legally sound framework aligned with IDEA 34 C.F.R. §300.320(a)(2), which emphasizes measurable objectives, observable behaviors, and clearly defined conditions for mastery. While compliance ultimately depends on individualization, these examples provide a solid foundation for developing appropriate and compliant goals.

How is this different from the free IEP Goal Bank on your website?

The free version provides a limited sample of goals for quick reference and goals are not mapped to the Common Core State Standards.

The Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank includes all 1,345 goals across six domains and seventy-eight skills areas, with 509 mapped to Common Core State Standards. It is fully sortable, filterable, and editable, saving you hours of time when developing individualized goals.

Who is this goal bank designed for?

Special education teachers, related service providers, clinicians, and coaches who want ready-to-adapt, compliant goals.

The product is sold as an individual license for one educator or clinician with unlimited students.

Will this work with my district’s IEP software (SEIS, PowerSchool, IEP Direct, etc.)?

Yes. The goal bank is delivered as an editable Excel file that opens easily in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. You can copy, adapt, and transfer goals directly into your district’s IEP system while keeping your preferred formatting.

Is this resource appropriate for all grade levels and levels of support need?

Yes. The Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank includes goals spanning kindergarten through transition-age and adult learners.

Each goal can be adapted in complexity, criteria, and support level to fit a student’s individual developmental stage, instructional setting, and intensity of need—from students requiring significant support to those working toward grade-level independence.

Can I share the goal bank file with colleagues?

No. Your purchase includes a single-user license for one educator or clinician with unlimited students. The file cannot be shared, posted on shared drives, or uploaded to district platforms. If your school wants access for more than one person, purchase one individual license per educator using the quantity selector at checkout. For help with multi-license orders, email admin@lifeskillsadvocate.com.

Do you update the goal bank over time?

Yes. Updates are made periodically to reflect evolving best practices and feedback from educators. Purchasers are notified and automatically receive access to all minor or small-batch updates. Major expansions or new content releases may be offered separately as optional add-ons.

Can parents or advocates use this resource?

Absolutely. Parents, advocates, and educational consultants often use this resource to better understand what measurable, well-written IEP goals look like and to collaborate effectively during IEP meetings.

What’s the file format and how will I receive it?

After purchase, you’ll receive an immediate download link to the goal bank in Excel (.xlsx) format, which opens easily in Excel, Google Sheets, or similar programs. You’ll also receive a PDF version for quick viewing and printing. The spreadsheet version is fully editable, sortable, and filterable for maximum ease of use.

Do you offer a guarantee or refund policy?

Because the Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank is a digital download, all sales are final. However, your satisfaction matters. If you experience any issues accessing the file or believe there’s an error with your order, please contact us at admin@lifeskillsadvocate.com and we'll make it right.

We stand by the quality and accuracy of our resources and are committed to ensuring you receive the full value of your purchase.

Can I purchase using a school or district purchase order (PO)?

Yes. We accept POs for individual licenses. If you need licenses for multiple staff, list the total number of individual licenses on the PO. We will provide one download per licensed user. Send POs or vendor forms to admin@lifeskillsadvocate.com.

Who Created This Resource

Tools shaped by lived neurodivergent experience and classroom practice. Clear steps that fit real life.

CHRIS HANSON  //  Special Educator & Founder of Life Skills Advocate

Hi, I’m Chris. I grew up in Cleveland and now live in the Seattle area. I’m a neurodivergent adult and a former special education teacher. In 2019 I started Life Skills Advocate to build the practical supports I wished I had in high school and early adulthood.

I spent about eight years in classrooms and more than twenty years navigating ADHD and anxiety. My work centers on simple systems that reduce overwhelm at school, work, and home.

I created the Comprehensive IEP Goal Bank to make goal writing faster, compliant, and student-centered. It includes 1,345 goals across six domains and 78 skill areas, with 509 mapped to Common Core where applicable.

Outside of work I enjoy time with my wife and son, gardening, and racquetball. I’m grateful for the community that uses our resources and shares feedback so we can keep improving together.

Chris 

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