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

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July 8, 2025 • 16 mins

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:

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

Connect with Jackie Beach

Website: www.RallyFamilySupport.com
Instagram: @rallyfamilysupport
Email: jbeach@rallysupportsfamilies.com

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:

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

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.css-15opob5{left:0;position:absolute;top:0.8rem;} All Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}138: What Makes a Goal Realistic? How to Know If Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Too Easy (or Too Much)