Re: 8 VAC 20-81-110, pg. 151: SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES.

I OPPOSE ELIMINATING SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES from IEPs.
I recommend that the regs. state that all IEP teams consider including short-term objectives as  important steps to achieving goals.  Short-term Objectives help to further define and clarify what the goal consists of, and what it will likely do for the student; also outlines, helps to clarify in steps what is expected of the school district and the student.  Short-term objectives are THE ROAD MAP to the DESTINATION (GOAL).  Without this extremely important roadmap, the implementation and intent of the “goal” will likely be lost.  Short-term objectives also define the goal, and making it easier to understand for the school district, student and parents.  VDOE and SDs should give and make available and mandatory,  training on writing goals and short-term objectives to school personnel, with refresher courses.

** Please note: I agree with and endorse the comments made by the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy, The Virginia Coalition for Students with Disabilities, and The Arc of Virginia **