How to Write SMART IEP Goals: A Quick & Easy 8-Step Formula for Special Educators Let’s be honest—Special Education teachers love working with students. Helping them learn, grow, and reach their goals is the most rewarding part of the job. But the paperwork? Not so much. If you've ever volunteered to cover recess duty, sharpen pencils, or—let’s be real—even taken a bathroom break just to avoid writing IEP goals, you're not alone. Writing IEPs can feel overwhelming and tedious, even for seasoned educators. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right tools and structure, IEP goal writing becomes straightforward—and dare I say—manageable! That’s why I created my go-to strategy: the SMART IEP Goal Formula. It’s simple, effective, and it actually makes writing goals feel doable (yes, really). Ready to change how you feel about IEP goals? Let’s dive into this step-by-step formula that breaks everything down. STEP 1: Identify the Goal Areas Start with...

  Welcome to Miss Rae’s Room – Special Education & Reading Strategies Blog Welcome to Miss Rae’s Room , your go-to resource for practical strategies in Special Education , teaching reading , and supporting students with learning disabilities .  If you are an educator, parent, or specialist looking for effective ways to improve reading skills, write strong Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) , and build inclusive, high-impact classrooms , you’ve come to the right place. What You’ll Find Here Step-by-step guides for teaching reading using research-based methodologies. Strategies for supporting students with learning disabilities in general and special education settings Tips for writing effective, compliant, and student-centered IEPs Ideas for creating inclusive classrooms that maximize student engagement and success Resources and lesson plans tailored for educators working with struggling readers Resources Looking for ready-made teaching resourc...