Analysis of Physical Therapy Goals in a School-based Setting: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze physical therapy goals for students receiving services in the school setting and to determine if these goals are measurable and context specific. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) of 32 students receiving physical therapy services was analyzed to determine the type of task and context that were specified, and the type of measurement criteria used. Goals were categorized using a Goal Analysis Form developed for the study. Generally, goals were centered on task performance; however, most goals (72%) were not context specific, and few goals (6%) addressed academic tasks. The majority of goals (84%) utilized measurement criteria; the most commonly used criterion was level of independence (49%). The Goal Analysis Form is a tool that can be used to analyze the extent to which IEP goals are context specific and measurable. Therapists in school settings are expected to formulate goals that are measurable and context specific.

KEYWORDS:

• Functional goals
• Individualized Education Program
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)
• physical therapy
• school-based physical therapy
• skill-based measurement criteria