Middle School Algebra Goals
Updated: December 22, 2025. Reviewer: Dr. Rose Sebastian, Ed.D.
Middle School Algebra IEP Goals
Browse CCS-aligned IEP goals and objectives for algebra, expressions, and equations. These mathematics goals for students in 6th to 8th grade focus on the basics of algebra, including evaluating expressions and solving one variable equations. These goals set students up for success in high school algebra classes– and are a helpful option of the high school algebra goals are too much of a stretch for your student. In many states, algebra is a graduation requirement, which makes these goals essential for many students.
- Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2
- Present the student with basic algebra problems like t + 5 = 12 and see what they do. You can also test them on writing them by saying something like “Timmy’s sister had 5 more dollars than him. If she had 12 dollars, how many dollars did he have?” If the student can write that, they can write an expression!
- Here are some worksheets that might help:
Given a simple algebraic expression like 5x, and a value for X, Juanita can solve the expression with 40% accuracy.
- Given algebraic expressions with addition and subtraction (e.g., x+5), and direct instruction in mathematics, X will evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2
- Make it easier: Make the problems just addition or specify the size of the numbers in the problem.
- Make it harder: Add in “algebraic expressions with all four operations”
- Solve word problems leading to equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these forms fluently. Compare an algebraic solution to an arithmetic solution, identifying the sequence of the operations used in each approach. For example, the perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width? CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4.a
Leon can solve basic equations with addition and subtraction, such as x + 5 = 10, with 50% accuracy, equations with multiplication and division with 40% accuracy, and equations with both, such as 2x+1=5, with under 20% accuracy.
- Name will solve equations of the form px + q = r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.4.a
- Make it easier: Add in supports, such as a reminder of the steps for solving algebraic equations
- Make it harder: Add in “and p(x + q) = r” to the types of equations
- Solve linear equations in one variable. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7
Diana can solve simple linear equations with 30% accuracy.
- Name will solve linear equations in one variable with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7
- Make it easier: Specify only positive or whole numbers
- Make it harder: Include integers or decimals
Want to see what goals look like in your state? Go through our state specific IEP guides. Need to know if an IEP goal is good and what IDEA says about goals? Check out our how to read IEP goals pages.
