Is the requirement for measurable goals and short-term objectives or benchmarks new? How do we collect data on progress?
A. The federal law has always required goals and short-term objectives. Now, the goals must be measurable. The allowance of the term benchmarks (major milestones) is new. The federal Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) sees the addition of benchmarks and short-term objectives as providing more flexibility, saving time, and reducing paperwork (possibly) by no longer including unnecessarily detailed curriculum objectives in the EP. The new focus is intended to produce attention to the modification strategies and adjustments necessary for students with disabilities to access the general curriculum and the special education services which may be needed in particular areas. Some see milestones or benchmarks as short-term objectives that every child should be making efforts to attain. Reporting progress toward goals and objectives is not a new requirement. Collecting data on progress should be done as part of ongoing classroom instruction. Work samples, tests, projects, etc. can all b
