Can I use this in a classroom or session with clients? Is this useful for different grade levels?

Yes. Goals span academic and functional areas; adjust wording and criteria to fit the student.

May I copy and paste these into my student's IEPs?

No. It is imperative to acknowledge that directly copying and pasting example goals into student’s IEPs from any external source, including ours, undermines the individualized nature of IEP planning and does not serve the best interests of students. This resource aims to inspire the development of IEP goals that address executive functioning needs, not a substitute for the detailed, student-centered IEP goal setting process. Educators and IEP teams are urged to use this as a tool for ideation, basing final goals on student assessments and collaborative IEP team insights.

Get the Free IEP Goal Bank to Write clear, measurable IEP goals faster with less guesswork

A searchable, filterable & editable goal bank with 190 IDEA-compliant goals that saves time and reduces rewrites for educators & related service providers

Download Now

What's Included?

Excel workbook with 2 tabs: Executive Function and Academic/Functional
190 IDEA-compliant goals with measurable criteria (55 executive function goals + 135 academic/functional)
Columns for skill/domain, area of SDI (when applicable), goal text, and companion article link
Fully editable and printable spreadsheet for quick copy, filter, and paste
Simple filtering and sorting to find goals by EF skill, domain, or keyword

Get The Free IEP Goal Bank

What Can You Do With the Free IEP Goal Bank?

Write Measurable IEP Goals Faster

with examples in an editable sheet

Find Goals By Skill Or Domain

by filtering & sorting columns to match student needs

Save Time & Get Ideas

with measurable criteria you can adapt quickly

Get Your Free IEP Goal Bank

Get the Full Resource Library in Advocate360

Create a free account to keep the full resource library in one place, re-download anytime, and adapt worksheets specifically to your needs.

Create a Free Advocate360 Account

FAQs

Can I edit the goals in this file?

Yes. It is an Excel workbook you can edit, filter, and print.

Does it include goals for executive function skills?

Yes. One tab lists EF goals by skill with measurable language.

Can I search or filter by topic?

Yes. Use Excel filters to view goals by skill, domain, or keywords.

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.

I don't have Excel. Can I open in another program?

Yes. The goal bank will be shared as a .xlsx file, which is compatible with Google Sheets and similar spreadsheet software.

Get The Free IEP Goal Bank

Who Created This Resource

We build simple, low-friction executive function tools shaped by lived neurodivergent experience and professional training, so you get clear steps that fit real life.

CHRIS HANSON // Founder of Life Skills Advocate

Hi, I’m Chris. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to the Seattle area in 2008. I am a neurodivergent adult and a former special education teacher. In 2019 I started Life Skills Advocate to create the kind of practical support I wished I had in high school and early adulthood.

I have about eight years of classroom experience and more than twenty years of lived experience with ADHD and anxiety. My work focuses on simple systems that reduce overwhelm at school, work, and home. I care about clear steps, realistic follow through, and tools that fit real life.

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

Chris