I am opposed to eliminating the short term objectives/benchmarks.  If we think of the IEP as a ladder where the top of the ladder are the annual goals and the bottom of the ladder is the starting point then all the rungs in-between are the objectives that help to reach the top of the ladder.  If we were to remove the short term objectives how would one get from the bottom of the ladder to the top safely and effectively?  The short term objectives are what actually makes sure the goal is working.  Would you stop putting gas in your car because it's too time consuming and expensive and still expect that car to run?  I doubt it, so why would you want to take away the engine that runs the annual goal?   Using a little common sense here, (I know that is considered out dated by some) but having short term objectives is also a check and balance system to insure that the IEP is being followed which not only protects the child but the teachers as well.  It's also a good way to look back over the years and question why these same goals are being written year after year and why no one has seen fit to question why the child is not moving forward.  Reducing paper work at the expense of a child receiving FAPE can in my opinion be construed as taking candy away from a baby.  That isn't appropriate and neither is taking away short term objectives.

Carol Villars - Parent