5 Tips for Writing Strong VI IEP Goals (Plus a Free Download!)

When it comes to supporting students with visual impairments, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) isn’t just a legal document—it’s a blueprint for progress. Yet, writing strong, functional IEP goals that reflect a student’s visual needs while aligning with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) can be a challenge, especially when caseloads are heavy and time is short.

At Evision Academy Programs, we know the struggle—and we’re here to help. Below are our top tips for writing strong VI IEP goals that are clear, measurable, and meaningful. Plus, we’ve included a free downloadable IEP Goal Bank created specifically for Teachers of the Visually Impaired.

1. Start With a Clear Present Level of Performance (PLOP)

Before drafting goals, document how the student is currently functioning in relation to their vision-related needs. Use observations, O&M input, assistive tech assessments, and teacher feedback.

Example: “Marcos is currently reading braille at 15 words per minute with 85% accuracy in uncontracted material. He requires verbal support to track lines of text and locate headings within a passage.”

2. Tie Goals Directly to the ECC

Students with visual impairments require support beyond academics. Use the Expanded Core Curriculum as a guide to ensure students are gaining essential life and access skills.

ECC Areas Include:

• Compensatory Access (Braille, print, listening skills)

• Social Interaction Skills

• Independent Living

• Assistive Technology

• Orientation & Mobility

• Career Education

• Sensory Efficiency

• Self-Determination

• Recreation & Leisure

3. Make Goals Measurable and Time-Bound

Use action verbs and define criteria for mastery. Avoid vague goals like “Student will improve braille reading.”

Better Goal Example: “Within 36 instructional weeks, the student will read 30 words per minute in contracted braille with 90% accuracy on grade-level passages, as measured by monthly reading probes.”

4. Collaborate With General Education and Related Service Providers

VI goals don’t exist in a silo. Collaborate with classroom teachers, O&M specialists, and speech pathologists to ensure goals reflect the full range of student needs.

Consider:

• Does the goal support academic access?

• Does the goal include real-world application?

• Will progress monitoring be easy and clear?

5. Include Tools, Settings, and Supports

IEP goals should reflect how a student learns best. Be explicit about what tools or accommodations will support mastery.

Example Add-On:"…using a Perkins brailler or digital notetaker with auditory feedback in a small group setting."

FREE RESOURCE: VI IEP Goal Bank Download

To make life easier, we’ve created a free VI IEP Goal Bank organized by ECC areas and grade levels. Use it as a starting point for building custom goals that fit your students' unique needs.

Download Your Free IEP Goal Bank Here (PDF)

Final Thoughts

Well-written IEP goals empower students, guide instruction, and ensure services are tailored to real needs—not just checkboxes. With the right tools and a little structure, writing high-quality goals becomes much more manageable.

Need more help? The TVI Toolkit offers a monthly bundle of pre-written VI lesson plans, goals, and progress tools—created just for you. Check it out [here].