IEP goals are the learning or developmental targets written in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) to guide the supports and instruction a student will receive. These goals are intended to focus on areas where a student may need additional support, such as communication, regulation, literacy, social interaction, or functional skills. In practice, IEP goals help schools track progress and organise teaching strategies, accommodations, and services. However, some families and advocates note that the language of “goals” can sometimes frame students primarily in terms of productivity or improvement, rather than recognising their inherent dignity and worth. For this reason, many people emphasise that IEP goals should support a student’s well-being, access to learning, and participation in school life—not simply measure performance. IEP goals should be realistic, responsive to the student’s actual needs, and developed with family input so that they support meaningful participation in education.