138: What Makes a Goal Realistic? How to Know If Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Too Easy (or Too Much)

Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

What does a realistic IEP goal actually look like? In this episode of our Summer Question Series, host Wendy Taylor is joined by Jackie Beach, M.Ed., founder of Rally Family Support, to unpack the “just right” goal—ambitious yet achievable. Learn how to collaborate with your school team, trust your gut, and use data (from home and school) to shape meaningful goals that support the whole child. Because goals only matter if they help your child grow.
Key Takeaways:

1. A good goal balances challenge with achievability—aim for growth, not shutdown.
2. Parent-school collaboration thrives when you bring data, clarity, and curiosity to the table.
3. Use SMART goals to guide IEP conversations and create shared expectations.

Connect with Jackie Beach

• Website: www.RallyFamilySupport.com
• Instagram: @rallyfamilysupport
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Wendy Taylor

• Instagram: @learningessentials
• LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
• Facebook: Learning Essentials
• Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
• Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist
• Or your favorite app: Podcast Link

Additional Resources
For parents who want to dive deeper into IEP goal-setting and school collaboration:

1. SMART IEP Goal Guide – Wrightslaw
2. Parent Center Hub: Understanding IEP Goals
3. Understood.org: IEP Goal Examples by Disability