18 IEP Writing Goals (With Examples)

IEP writing goals should target the specific writing sub-skill breaking down — sentence structure, paragraph organization, or spelling — with clear criteria, such as writing a complete sentence with correct capitalization and punctuation with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 writing samples.

Sentence Structure & Mechanics

1. 1.By [date], [student] will write a complete sentence with a subject and predicate, correct capitalization, and end punctuation with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 writing samples.
2. 2.By [date], [student] will write compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions with 75% accuracy in 4 of 5 writing samples.
3. 3.By [date], [student] will correctly use commas in a series and in compound sentences with 75% accuracy across 4 of 5 samples.
4. 4.By [date], [student] will correct capitalization and punctuation errors in a given passage with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 trials.

Paragraph & Essay Organization

1. 1.By [date], [student] will write a paragraph including a topic sentence, 3 supporting details, and a closing sentence with 75% accuracy in 4 of 5 opportunities.
2. 2.By [date], [student] will write a 3-paragraph opinion piece stating a claim and 2 text-based reasons with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 samples.
3. 3.By [date], [student] will use a graphic organizer to plan a written piece before drafting in 4 of 5 opportunities.
4. 4.By [date], [student] will write a narrative including an introduction, sequenced events, and a conclusion, scoring 3/4 or above on a rubric in 4 of 5 opportunities.
5. 5.By [date], [student] will revise a writing draft based on specific feedback with 75% accuracy in 4 of 5 opportunities.

Spelling

1. 1.By [date], [student] will correctly spell grade-level high-frequency words with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 writing samples.
2. 2.By [date], [student] will apply taught spelling patterns (silent-e, vowel teams) in independent writing with 75% accuracy across 4 of 5 samples.
3. 3.By [date], [student] will correctly spell words with common prefixes and suffixes with 80% accuracy across 4 of 5 dictated word lists.
4. 4.By [date], [student] will use a spell-check tool or dictionary independently to correct spelling errors in 4 of 5 writing tasks.

Handwriting & Production

1. 1.By [date], [student] will write legibly with consistent letter size and spacing across a writing sample with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 samples.
2. 2.By [date], [student] will independently type a short assignment using a keyboard with 80% accuracy in 4 of 5 opportunities.
3. 3.By [date], [student] will produce a writing sample of at least 5 sentences within a 20-minute period in 4 of 5 opportunities.
4. 4.By [date], [student] will use a word bank or graphic organizer to generate writing content independently in 4 of 5 opportunities.

Scaffolds That Support These Goals

Writing goals move faster when paired with the right scaffold for the student's current level — a sentence starter, a paragraph frame, or a graphic organizer. As the student gains independence, fade the scaffold deliberately and note that fading in the goal's criteria, so progress data reflects growing independence rather than just growing familiarity with one tool.

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