Measurable Goals

[Guest guest]

Hi Jess,

I really don't mean to be sarcastic but it is probably the result of trying to

get the appropriate services for a 6 year old autistic child who is presently in

the first grade in one of Broward's elementary schools.

There has always been a real downright nasty approach for changing the wording

of any of the non measurable goals. This abstinence is also evident in writing

the PLP information. let me give you some specifics.

has two developmentally disabilities: Autism and Speech Apraxia. As a

parent I feel it is important to mention either one or both disabilities

depending on what is called for in the narrative. Team insists on using the term

" disabilities " as an all inclusive term. I prefer to see specificity and

clarity.

Here's a goal:

" By January 2011, given a model and tactile cue, will produce

multi-syllabic words in phrases with clarity in 4/5 opportunities. "

This goal is a rather short, but a good start.

To: Papidedos

Sent: Fri, February 25, 2011 2:36:52 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Clusters and Schools

,

I can completely understand your frustration and probably anger too.

" By January 2011, given a model and tactile cue, will produce

multi-syllabic words in phrases with clarity in 4/5 opportunities. "

- how many multi syllabic words?

-how many syllables?

-with what accuracy?

-any consecutive trials, or days involved? or is 4/5 opps at any time, not

consecutively?

- in phrases? Are they looking for your son to produce the multi-syllabic words

AND are concerned about them being in phrases?

-How is this documented? tallies, observation, what is the data collection?

I would say, regarding the disability being included in the PLoP (is that what

you meant?)

The Present Level of Performance is ONLY to state what a child CAN do, not what

they cannot, or even what the disability is. If you meant why is it not stated

under the priority educational need statement, you are right it can be stated

what the disability is. OR you can sy something like . . . due to Bob's

difficulty attending to a teacher directed activity in a small group setting, he

requires blah, blah, blah.

And technically, as you being parent, are a valid IEP Team member. Just as valid

as the teacher, SLP, OT, etc. If you would like to add info that you observe

with your son, you have EVERY RIGHT to have that written in that PLoP. His

present level encompasses all areas of his life. I am sorry you are dealing with

such frustrations. If you aren't happy, you can always call for an interim,

whether it makes them unhappy or not. Do you have an advocate?

You could always contact one for assistance. Good luck!!

----- Forwarded Message ----

To: Jess Montado

Sent: Sat, February 26, 2011 8:51:42 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Clusters and Schools

I did request assistance from the North Area Superintendent, Sharon Airaghi. .

She wrote the following:

" In your letter, you noted that 's IEP uses the term " disabilities "

rather than " autism/apraxia " . is identifiesd as having autism, being

language and speech impaired, and demonstrating a need for occupational therapy.

The use of the term disabilities is inclusive and does not exclude autism and

apraxia. Instead, it encompasses all of those factors that affect his learning. "

If they are all inclusive,they should be stated for clarity.

Jess, you stated some very good reasons why the stated goal was in fact, not

measurable. Here is Sharon Airaghi's response to my statement that the Team

writes goals that are not measurable which included the stated goal:

" By January 2011, given a model and tactile cue, will produce

multi-syllabic words in phrases with clarity in 4/5 opportunities.

She states:

" In review of 's IEP, each of his 16 goals contains a condition, a

measurable/observable objective and criteria for mastery " and also:

" These goals appear to have the objective and measurable goals you desire. "

In conclusion, Jess, if you know what consitutes a measurable goal, why doesn't

the Broward School District?

ito