Measurable Postsecondary Goals

By O’Leary, E. (2006) Measurable Postsecondary Goals

Measurable Postsecondary Goals are not the same as Measurable Annual Goals in a student’s IEP. This is a new requirement in IDEA 2004 that specifies that the IEP for every student who turns 16 years (or younger if appropriate) must include measurable postsecondary goals and the transition services needed to assist the student in reaching those goals. CFR 300.320 (a)(7)(b)(1)&(2).

Measurable postsecondary goals are statements of what a student wants to do post school. They are based on each student’s preferences, interests and needs. There should be a postsecondary goal in education/training, employment and independent living (if appropriate for that student).

Here are some examples of measurable postsecondary goals:

Education/Training

• Following graduation, I will receive training while working at the XYZ hardware store.
  
  
• Following graduation, I will attend Northwest Technical college
  
  
• After school completion, I will attend the XYZ adult training program and receive vocational skills training.

Employment

• Following graduation, I will work full time at the XYZ hardware store.
  
  
• Following graduation, I will work full time as a computer technician.
  
  
• After school completion, I will attend the XYZ adult training program and receive vocational skills training.

Independent Living

• Following graduation, I will live in a group home with my friends.
  
  
• Following graduation, I will live in a dorm or an apartment.
  
  
• After completion of school, I will live at home while I receive vocational training.

It is important for parents and special education advocates to help a student to understand that even though he or she may not know what they might want to do in the future, it is still important to begin to figure out some goals and what needs and preferences they might have.

Career counseling, exploration and guidance can be written into the transition service section of the IEP and additional opportunities can be provided that will help a student develop a vision for what they want to do after high school.

Developed by O’Leary, E. (2006) Measurable Postsecondary Goals. Logan, Utah: MPRRC, Unpublished paper.