What does the word “functional” mean, as used in “functional performance” and “functional goals”?
a. Functional means nonacademic, as in “routine activities of everyday living.” This clarification should help IEP teams understand that the purpose of the IEP is to prepare children with disabilities for life after school. This should also help the school understand that teaching children how to “function” in the world is just as important as teaching academic skills. b. It is not necessary to include a definition of “functional” in these regulations because we believe it is a term that is generally understood to refer to skills or activities that are not considered academic or related to a child’s academic achievement. Instead, “functional” is often used in the context of routine activities of everyday living.
