The High Expectations Test: Is Your Child’s IEP Aiming High Enough?

Here’s a tough question for every parent navigating special education: is your child’s IEP helping them soar — or quietly clipping their wings?

Too often, students with disabilities are handed IEP goals that sound official but barely move the needle. “Improve comprehension.” “Increase independence.” Nice words. But do they actually change your child’s future?

If you’ve ever walked out of an IEP meeting wondering whether the plan was ambitious enough, you’re not alone. Schools often default to safe, easy-to-measure targets. And while that might check the compliance box, it doesn’t guarantee your child will be challenged to reach their potential.

That’s where the High Expectations Test for IEPs comes in. It’s a simple way for parents to look at their child’s Individualized Education Program and quickly ask: Are we aiming high enough, or settling for less?

Why Low Expectations in IEPs Hurt Students

No one in the room ever says, “Let’s keep this child from growing.” But low expectations creep into IEPs anyway. Sometimes it’s fear of over-promising. Sometimes it’s a lack of resources. Sometimes it’s just the weight of a system under pressure.

And yet, research on special education outcomes makes one thing clear: when expectations rise, so do results. Students who are pushed to stretch — with the right supports — consistently achieve more.

The problem isn’t the kids. The problem is the bar we set for them in their IEP goals and services.

The High Expectations Test for IEP Goals

Grab your child’s IEP and run it through this quick test. If you answer “no” to several of these questions, it’s time to push for more ambitious goals and services.

1. Will these IEP goals actually move my child forward? Are they more than “maintain progress” or “slight improvement”? Growth should be visible and meaningful over the next year.

2. Are the goals specific and measurable — or vague and fuzzy? “Get better at writing” is a weak goal. “Write a 5-sentence paragraph with correct punctuation in 4 out of 5 trials” is a strong statement.

3. Do the IEP services match the goals? If your child has a reading goal, are they getting enough reading support? Goals without matching services are empty promises.

4. Do the goals build on my child’s strengths? High expectations mean leveraging what your child can do to stretch toward what they could do.

5. The gut check: Would this be good enough for any other student? If you’d be embarrassed to see this written for a student without a disability, it’s not good enough for your child.

What Parents Can Do If the IEP Falls Short

If your child’s IEP doesn’t pass the High Expectations Test, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.

• Highlight weak spots. Call out goals that feel too vague or minimal.

• Ask for the evidence. Schools must explain how IEP goals are chosen. Push for clarity.

• Suggest alternatives. Bring examples of stronger, measurable goals.

• Put concerns in writing. Follow up after the meeting to document your requests.

Remember: high expectations in special education aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress with purpose.

The Bottom Line: High Expectations Lead to Better IEP Outcomes

An IEP isn’t just paperwork. It’s a declaration of what the adults in your child’s life believe they can achieve. Low expectations send a quiet but powerful message: this is all we think you’re capable of.

But the reverse is also true. When an IEP sets bold, specific goals and backs them with real support, it tells your child: we believe in you, and we’re going to help you get there.

That’s why the High Expectations Test matters. It isn’t just about compliance or checking boxes. It’s about dignity. It’s about your child knowing they’re seen for their potential, not their limits.

So take the test. Challenge the low bar. Ask for more. Because raising expectations in IEPs isn’t just about improving grades or skills — it’s about opening doors to a fuller future. And your voice can raise the bar not just for your child, but for every child.