SPED 5091 Capstone Original Contribution · Camille N. Smith Brown, M.S. Special Education
The BRIDGE Framework SMART IEP Goal Generator
A live, evidence-based tool for special educators. Input your student's data — the framework drafts a legally defensible, SMART-formatted IEP goal in real time. Built on research. Guided by equity.
Three-Source Rule Progress0 of 3 sources confirmed
3
Set Target and Mastery Criteria
Define the goal endpoint and the consecutive-probe standard
S
Specific
Select domain
M
Measurable
Need baseline + target
A
Achievable
Need gap data
R
Relevant
Need 3 sources
T
Time-Bound
Set timeframe
Drafted Annual IEP Goal — Pillar D Output
Complete Steps 1–3 above to generate your goal draft. Each SMART criterion will confirm as you work through the data.
Evidence base: Maki, K. E., Burns, M. K., & Sullivan, A. L. (2018). Learning Disability Quarterly, 41(4), 243–256 · Hurwitz, S., et al. (2020). American Educational Research Journal, 57(2), 576–611 · IDEA §300.320 (Annual goals requirement)
IDEA §300.320FAPE Standard3-Source Rule⚠ Equity Audit Pending (Pillar E)
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Short-Term Benchmarks (Auto-Generated)
Quarterly progress checkpoints — humanize before use
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How Pillar D Generates This Goal
The architecture behind the draft
1
Domain selection locks the skill area and auto-fills CBM unit labels appropriate to that domain — WCPM for reading fluency, holistic rubric score for writing, digits correct per minute for math.
2
Three-source rule (Pillar I) requires a standardized score, a CBM data point, and a qualitative source before any goal generates. This mirrors the evidentiary standard Maki et al. (2018) identify as necessary for legally and clinically defensible SLD identification decisions.
3
Achievability check flags targets representing more than 200% growth from baseline — not to lower ambition, but to prompt the team to verify the goal is realistic. Hurwitz et al. (2020) found that overpromised goals that go unmet erode family-school trust more than achievable goals that are reached.
4
Consecutive-probe mastery criteria ensure the goal cannot be satisfied by a single strong performance — legally consistent with IDEA §300.320 and clinically consistent with fluency-based intervention research.
5
The educator humanizes the draft. BRIDGE generates the legal and structural scaffold. The practitioner adds the student's name, voice, relational context, and professional judgment. The goal belongs to the team — not the tool.