18 IEP Reading Goals (With Examples)

Quick Answer

IEP reading goals should target the specific sub-skill identified in evaluation data — fluency, comprehension, or vocabulary — with a clear accuracy criterion and evaluation method, such as reading a grade-level passage at a target words-per-minute rate with 95% accuracy across 3 consecutive CBM probes.

Reading goals are among the most common in special education, but they're also frequently written too vaguely to actually track progress. These 18 goals are organized by the specific reading sub-skill being targeted, following the structure of a strong reading IEP.

Fluency

1.By [date], [student] will read a grade-level passage aloud at [X] correct words per minute with 95% accuracy across 3 consecutive CBM probes.
2.By [date], [student] will self-correct oral reading errors at a ratio of 1:4 or better across 3 consecutive reading probes.
3.By [date], [student] will read connected text with appropriate phrasing and expression, scoring 3 or higher on a 4-point fluency rubric.
4.By [date], [student] will decode multi-syllabic words using structural analysis with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 word-list probes.

Comprehension

1.By [date], [student] will answer literal comprehension questions about a grade-level passage with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
2.By [date], [student] will identify the main idea and 2 supporting details from a passage with 75% accuracy in 4 of 5 opportunities.
3.By [date], [student] will make text-based inferences citing evidence from the passage with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 probes.
4.By [date], [student] will retell a story including 4 key elements (character, setting, problem, solution) in 4 of 5 opportunities.
5.By [date], [student] will compare and contrast 2 texts on the same topic using a graphic organizer with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 trials.

Vocabulary

1.By [date], [student] will use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
2.By [date], [student] will define and use 10 new grade-level vocabulary words correctly in a sentence with 80% accuracy.
3.By [date], [student] will identify synonyms and antonyms for grade-level vocabulary with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 trials.
4.By [date], [student] will use morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots) to determine word meaning with 75% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.

Phonics & Foundational Skills

1.By [date], [student] will apply the 6 syllable types to decode unfamiliar words with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 trials.
2.By [date], [student] will identify and produce rhyming words with 90% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
3.By [date], [student] will blend and segment phonemes in single-syllable words with 85% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
4.By [date], [student] will read 50 grade-level sight words with automaticity (under 1 second per word) with 90% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.
5.By [date], [student] will identify all 26 uppercase and lowercase letters and their sounds with 95% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.

Choosing the Right Data Collection Method

Reading goals need a data method that matches the skill — fluency goals are best tracked with timed CBM probes, while comprehension goals often need a rubric or percentage-correct on structured questions. Mismatching the method, like using a fluency probe to judge comprehension, is a common reason progress monitoring data does not hold up at the annual review.

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