SMART Target Examples for Mild Intellectual Disability
in Irish Primary Schools
A mild intellectual disability (also called mild general learning disability in Irish educational context) involves below-average intellectual functioning with associated limitations in adaptive behaviour. In Irish schools, students with mild ID typically require a modified curriculum with support across literacy, numeracy, language, and daily living skills.
Prevalence in Ireland
Approximately 1-3% of the Irish population has an intellectual disability, with mild ID being the most common category. Students may attend mainstream schools with support or special classes.
SMART Target Examples by NEPS Need Area
These targets are mapped to NEPS need areas and categorised by Continuum of Support level. Replace [student] with the student's name and [date] with your review date (typically 6-8 weeks).
Literacy
By [date], [student] will read and recognise 30 functional sight words (e.g., 'exit', 'danger', 'open', 'toilet') with 80% accuracy, as assessed by the SET.
By [date], [student] will write their full name and address from memory with correct spelling on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Numeracy
By [date], [student] will identify and count coins (1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2) and calculate totals up to €5 with 80% accuracy using real coins.
By [date], [student] will tell the time to the nearest hour on an analogue clock on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Language & Communication
By [date], [student] will follow a 2-step instruction in the correct sequence on 4 out of 5 occasions during classroom activities.
By [date], [student] will use a complete sentence of 5+ words to describe a picture or event on 3 out of 5 occasions during oral language time.
Social & Emotional
By [date], [student] will independently join a group activity during break time on 3 out of 5 occasions using a social script.
Self-Care & Independence
By [date], [student] will independently prepare a simple snack (e.g., spread butter on bread, pour a drink) following a visual recipe on 4 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will independently navigate from their classroom to the school office and back using a visual map on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Executive Function
By [date], [student] will follow a 3-step morning routine (hang coat, unpack bag, sit at desk) independently using a visual checklist on 4 out of 5 days.
Common Strengths
- Learns well through practical, hands-on activities
- Good social skills and desire to please
- Responds positively to routine and repetition
- Strength in visual and kinaesthetic learning
- Kind and caring personality
- Ability to develop functional life skills with targeted teaching
Common Needs
- Modified curriculum at an appropriate developmental level
- Concrete, multi-sensory teaching approaches
- Overlearning and repetition to consolidate skills
- Explicit teaching of functional literacy and numeracy
- Support with generalising skills across settings
- Life skills and independence training
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections of the Student Support File.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] learns best through practical, hands-on activities and real-life contexts.”
- “[Student] has good social skills and enjoys interacting with classmates.”
- “[Student] follows classroom routines well and responds positively to praise.”
- “[Student] shows strength in visual and kinaesthetic learning activities.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs a differentiated programme at their developmental level across literacy and numeracy.”
- “[Student] requires concrete, multi-sensory teaching approaches with frequent repetition.”
- “[Student] benefits from functional skills teaching embedded in real-life contexts.”
- “[Student] needs explicit teaching and practice of social skills for age-appropriate peer interaction.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for a child with mild intellectual disability in Irish schools?
Should a child with mild ID attend a mainstream school or special class?
How do you differentiate the curriculum for a student with mild intellectual disability?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
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