While there are different approaches to crafting IEP goals, one effective method preferred by many special educators is the use of IEP goal banks. These goal banks serve as a starting point for educators as they craft IEP goals that align with each students’ needs. While there has been debate over whether or not artificial intelligence (AI) can replace the human aspect of writing IEP goals, we assert that it cannot.
In this blog post, we will explore why IEP goal banks are superior to using AI technology for generating IEP goals, highlighting the expertise of special educators, their ability to provide valuable insights and their role as a starting point for writing individualized goals for student IEPs.
Goal Banks vs. Artificial Intelligence
Written by Special Educators
One of the key advantages of using IEP goal banks is that they are created by special educators who possess extensive knowledge and experience in working with students with diverse needs. These professionals have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the skills required to overcome them. Consequently, the goals and objectives found in IEP goal banks are carefully crafted to address specific areas of development and align with established educational standards. Unlike AI-generated goals, which lack the nuanced understanding of a human educator, IEP goal banks take into account the individual needs of students and offer a comprehensive framework for their educational journey.
Insight into Unique Skills and Services
Another significant advantage of utilizing IEP goal banks is that they provide valuable insight into skills and services that educators may not be familiar with. Special educators have a wealth of knowledge about various disabilities, intervention strategies, and evidence-based practices. By referring to IEP goal banks, educators can access a vast collection of goals covering a wide range of developmental areas. This resource enables them to explore new ideas, discover innovative approaches, and consider goals that they may not have initially considered. Such insights can greatly enhance the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the IEP process, ultimately benefiting the students in their educational journey.
A Starting Point for Individualized Goals
IEP goal banks serve as a starting point for writing individualized goals for student IEPs. They provide a foundation upon which educators can build, tailoring the goals to meet each student’s unique needs and abilities. The goals found in these banks are not meant to be rigid templates but rather flexible guidelines that can be adapted and personalized. Special educators can modify and customize the goals to ensure they align with the specific strengths, challenges, and interests of their students. This individualization is crucial in supporting students’ progress and fostering their overall development.
The IEP Goal Bank at The Intentional IEP
The Intentional IEP houses a robust IEP goal bank of more than 13,000 IEP goals written by certified special education teachers to support other special educators in the process of developing IEPs for students with special needs. This goal bank is a valuable resource that provides a wide range of carefully crafted goals and objectives designed to address specific areas of development.
The IEP goal bank on The Intentional IEP is created by a team of experienced special educators who understand the diverse needs and challenges faced by students with disabilities. These goals are aligned with established educational standards and are developed with a deep understanding of evidence-based practices and intervention strategies. Each goal is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for educators to understand and implement in their IEPs.
One of the key features of The Intentional IEP’s goal bank is its organization and categorization. The goals are sorted into different developmental areas, such as academic skills, social-emotional development, communication, motor skills, and independent living skills. This categorization allows educators to quickly find goals that are relevant to their students’ specific needs, saving them time and effort in the goal-writing process.
Moreover, the IEP goal bank on The Intentional IEP provides educators with flexibility. While the goals are well-defined and comprehensive, they are not meant to be rigid templates. Educators can customize and modify the goals to suit the unique strengths, challenges, and interests of their students. This individualization ensures that the goals are truly tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.
Here’s a quick audio snippet from one of the trainings inside membership about IEP goals and objectives:
The membership also provides guidance on Writing IEP Goals for Skill Gaps.
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their students’ unique needs.
Learn more and become a member of The Intentional IEP today!
While AI has made advances that enable it to write IEP goals, those goals lack the decades of experience and human touch that IEP goal banks provide. The IEP Goal Bank at the Intentional IEP is one example of a well-organized and thought-out resource for special educators by special educators. That is something that AI can never claim to be or reproduce.