Chairpersons: Jocelynn B. Wallach, OT, MS, OTR, Esther Bertrand OT, MS, OTR
Date: January 21, 2026, 7-8:30 pm
Location: Zoom - to be sent out the day before the event
Title: Developing Meaningful and Measurable IEP Goals
Speaker: Jan Hollenbeck, OT, OTD, OTR, FAOTA
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the essential components of a well-written IEP goal that aligns with IDEA requirements and supports student participation in school-based occupations.
- Apply strategies to develop IEP goals that are both meaningful (linked to student needs and educational outcomes) and measurable (including clear criteria for progress monitoring).
- Analyze examples of occupational therapy goals to determine alignment with the student’s present levels of performance, educational relevance, and data collection methods.
Bio:
Dr. Jan Hollenbeck, OT, OTD, OTR, FAOTA, is an occupational therapist and special education administrator with over 35 years of experience in public schools. As co-founder of the Partnership for Advancement of School Service-Providers (PASS), she provides practical professional development, consultation, and mentoring to enhance collaboration, staff retention, and student success. She has worked with more than 50 Massachusetts school districts, taught MA DESE-funded institutes (2007–2019), and presented widely at local, state, and national conferences. A published author and co-author of Guidelines for Provision of Occupational Therapy in Massachusetts Schools, Dr. Hollenbeck also serves as MAOT Liaison to MA DESE and Co-Facilitator of AOTA’s State Leaders in School Practice Community of Practice. She is an AOTA Fellow recognized for her leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
References:
American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, & American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2022). Joint statement on interprofessional collaborative goals in school-based practice. https://www.asha.org/siteassets/ipp/joint-statement-on-interprofessional-collaborativegoals-in-school-based-practice-2022.pdf
Wynarczuk, K. D., Chiarello, L. A., Fisher, K., Effgem. S. K., Palisano, R. J., & Gracely, E. J. (2020). Development of student goals in school-based practice: Physical therapists’ experiences and perceptions. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42(25), 3591-3605. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1602673
Frolek Clark, G., & Polichino, J. (2020). School Occupational Therapy: Staying Focused on Participation and Educational Performance. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 14(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1776187