Purpose of a Goal

IEP goals are written to show meaningful educational benefits for students based on their ability level; a Supreme Court decision made this change in March 2017.

Grade Level Goal

• IEP goals are written at a child's instructional level
• Goals do not have to be at grade level unless appropriate

IEP

• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written to provide a child with a disability with specially designed education
• Written by a group of professionals, parents, and the disabled student (if appropriate)
• Addresses goals, testing, services, placement, accommodation, modifications, and eligibility status

Please be aware that some goals may have to be revised to reflect a change of environment to an at-home online classroom setting.

Adaptations, accommodations, and supports are changes written into the IEP to help a student overcome or work around disability to achieve academic success in his current environment. An adaptation usually changes to the child’s classroom environment, such as moving an easily distracted child away from the windows. An accommodation is a change that helps a student overcome or work around the disability. Example: Permitting a visually impaired student to use a keyboard with large keys. Accommodations for statewide testing should be provided to general education teachers who will be state testing. Method Schools offer these in an online format only. Please be aware that some of your child’s adaptations, accommodations, or supports may be changed at your 30-day IEP meeting to reflect an at home, online learning environment with the parent as the primary teacher. 

A modification is a change in what is being taught to or expected from the student. For example, grade-level assignments are adjusted to a child’s instructional level, which is usually several grades below the student’s chronological age. Students who have their curriculum modified work will receive a certificate of completion upon graduating high school rather than a high school diploma. As desirable as a diploma is, some students find the diploma an unrealistic goal and will conclude their high school career with a Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of Completion is not an academic credential, and there are no state course or grade requirements necessary to earn a certificate of completion. A student successfully working toward his/her IEP goals and receiving modified instruction in the majority of his/her classes is generally eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion. Students exiting high school with a Certificate of Completion are eligible to participate in any graduation ceremonies the school may sponsor. A Certificate of Completion provides honor to a student exiting high school and is a concrete symbol of entry into the adult world. Most schools design their Certificates of Completion to resemble a diploma.

Your child’s IEP will have services that are based upon your child’s current present levels of performance. Services may vary from student to student, but they are designed to help meet educational goals. Services which may have been provided face-to-face at a traditional school site are offered online as Method Schools is online, at home charter school. In a traditional public school setting, specialized academic instruction (SAI) may be provided anywhere from 5-7 hours a day @ five days a week. At Method Schools, SAI times are reduced to reflect an at home online classroom setting rather than a traditional classroom. SAI is supporting multiple online resources and accommodations. Please be aware that some service times may be adjusted to reflect an online curriculum program and reasonable times.