Developing IEP Goals for 36 Study Strategies to Encourage Student Structuring and Concentration
In the educational landscape, study skills are essential tools that help students manage their learning and grow into independent, capable individuals. This is especially true for students with learning disabilities or ADHD, who often face unique challenges in attention, executive function, and working memory.
A recent study reveals that by the end of the Individualised Education Program (IEP) period, [Student Name] will demonstrate significant progress in various aspects of study skills. For instance, [Student Name] will describe progress and identify new strategies for growth in 4 out of 5 conferences with 90% participation in classroom settings, as measured by teacher data collection (Self-Reflection). Similarly, [Student Name] will manage time effectively by completing at least 90% of assessments within the allotted time in 4 out of 5 tests in classroom settings (Test-Taking).
Evidence-based strategies for teaching study skills to students with learning disabilities or ADHD emphasize structured, multisensory, and stepwise approaches tailored to cognitive and attentional challenges. Key strategies include step-by-step instruction, explicit teaching by telling and modeling, multisensory learning, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, structured and organized study environments, use of behavioral and reinforcement techniques, practice and performance-based progression, and putting retrieval practice at the heart of study skills instruction.
Teaching note-taking strategies, such as the Cornell Note-Taking Method or crafting clear headings and key questions, can help students document and review their material effectively. Active reading transforms passive skimming into meaningful engagement and includes highlighting key ideas, jotting down annotations, summarizing sections in their own words, or using margin notes to connect concepts. Directly teaching active studying strategies, such as creating study guides, summarizing sections, or explaining concepts, can help students understand how to make studying more effective.
Creating and showing students how to create their own study calendar can help prevent last-minute cramming and build confidence. Avoiding multitasking during study sessions can improve focus and the effectiveness of learning. By the end of the IEP period, [Student Name] will use a teacher-provided rubric to assess performance and identify 1-2 areas for improvement with 85% accuracy in 3 out of 4 tasks in classroom settings, as measured by teacher data collection (Self-Reflection).
Data tracking methods for study skills IEP goals can include creating checklists, using rubrics, or having students self-assess their progress. Measuring progress for study skills IEP goals can involve conducting frequent check-ins, assessing students through observation, graded tasks, or quizzes, and addressing the root cause of any unmet goals. By the end of the IEP period, when taking written-response or essay-based exams, [Student Name] will organize answers clearly and provide relevant examples or evidence with 85% accuracy in 3 out of 4 attempts in classroom settings, as measured by teacher data collection (Test-Taking).
The article provides examples of study skills IEP goals for time management, planning, active reading, working memory, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and self-reflection. Putting retrieval practice at the heart of study skills instruction can help students remember information more clearly. Using spaced practice, where students revisit topics over several days or weeks, can strengthen their ability to retain information over the long term. By the end of the IEP period, when preparing for tests or quizzes, [Student Name] will independently use study materials such as notes, flashcards, or review sheets for at least 20 minutes in 4 out of 5 sessions in classroom settings, as measured by teacher data collection (Test-Taking).
The ideal formula for writing IEP goals is to state when given a specific task or instruction, the student will demonstrate a skill or behavior with a certain level of accuracy in a certain number of trials within a given time period. Writing IEP goals that are tailored to a student's unique challenges, aspirations, and strengths is the best way to ignite a love for learning and help them succeed academically.
The article also provides a free sortable IEP goal bank for teachers to help them write compliant, student-focused IEP goals for study skills. This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for educators seeking to support students with learning disabilities or ADHD in developing essential study skills.
- By demonstrating the ability to utilize a teacher-provided rubric to assess performance and identify areas for improvement with 85% accuracy in 3 out of 4 tasks, [Student Name] will show significant progress in goal setting.
- The creation of active reading strategies, such as using margin notes to connect concepts, will contribute to [Student Name's] growth in personal-growth and education-and-self-development.
- [Student Name] will display resilience and career-development by organizing answers clearly and providing relevant examples or evidence with 85% accuracy in 3 out of 4 written-response or essay-based exams.
- By independently using study materials for at least 20 minutes in 4 out of 5 sessions, [Student Name] will show development in time management and learning skills.
