8 Self-Monitoring IEP Goals: A Key to Enhancing Executive Function Skills

Posted In Goals On February 10, 2025

Self-monitoring IEP goals play a crucial role in improving executive function instruction and helping students develop essential self-monitoring skills. By incorporating effective executive function strategies, educators can guide students toward greater independence, confidence, and academic success. Below, we outline eight self-monitoring IEP goals designed to empower students, improve academic performance, and foster self-awareness in their learning process.

1. Daily Reflection on Task Completion

Using a self-monitoring task sheet and daily reflection ticket, [student] will reflect daily on the progress he/she has made with his/her task sheet and identify barriers that limited progress in order to actively complete tasks in X out of Y opportunities biweekly over the course of Z weeks.

2. Revising and Resubmitting Assignments

Using a checklist and a returned assignment that scored below 70%, [student] will assess errors, make necessary revisions, and resubmit for a higher grade, achieving X% or higher in Y of Z opportunities.

3. Breaking Down Complex Assignments

When given a complex assignment, [student] will use executive function strategies such as breaking the task into smaller steps, setting short-term goals, or finding a quiet workspace to ensure timely completion in X of Y opportunities.

4. Utilizing Learning Strategies for Notetaking

Using a strategy aligned with their learning style (visual, auditory, or kinesthetic), [student] will effectively take notes with X% accuracy.

5. Effective Communication in Discussions

During whole class or small group discussions, [student] will demonstrate strong communication skills by using an appropriate tone, maintaining open body language, and listening actively, requiring no more than X nonverbal cue(s) Y% of the time.

6. Evaluating Social Cues and Emotions

Using social stories, videos, or scenarios, [student] will evaluate body language and facial expressions to identify who may be upset or annoyed. They will then determine the cause of the person’s emotions with X% accuracy in Y of Z trials.

7. Weekly Self-Reflection on Goals

At the end of each week, with a reflection sheet and a structured discussion, [student] will identify two things that went well and two areas for improvement related to their weekly goal of self-reflection in X of Y opportunities.

8. Identifying and Modifying Social Responses

Given real-world scenarios featuring various actions, words, or phrases, [student] will analyze how verbal or physical actions may affect others and suggest alternative responses with X% accuracy.

Why Self-Monitoring IEP Goals Matter

Self-monitoring IEP goals are an integral part of executive function instruction and intervention. They not only improve a student’s academic performance but also equip them with lifelong skills such as self-awareness, emotional control, and effective decision-making. By implementing these goals, educators can target instruction, ensuring students receive the support they need to overcome executive function challenges.

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about self-monitoring and its impact on student success? Click here to read our blog post on “What is Self-Monitor?”

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