An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to help students with learning challenges succeed in school, but having an IEP isn’t enough—you need to track your child’s progress and ensure the support outlined in the IEP is actually working.
Many parents wonder:
✔ How do I know if the IEP is helping my child?
✔ What should I do if my child isn’t making progress?
✔ How can I advocate for updates or changes to the IEP?
This guide will show you how to track IEP progress effectively and what steps to take if the plan needs adjustments.
📌 Why Is It Important to Track Your Child’s IEP Progress?
Many parents assume that once an IEP is in place, teachers and staff will ensure it is followed. However, that’s not always the case. Schools may struggle with:
✔ Inconsistent implementation – Teachers may forget or lack resources to apply accommodations.
✔ Lack of communication – Parents may not receive updates on their child’s progress.
✔ Ineffective strategies – Some accommodations may not be working for your child.
📌 Tracking progress helps parents ensure that the IEP is implemented properly and that their child is benefiting from the support.
🚀 Step 1: Understanding IEP Progress Monitoring
IEP progress monitoring helps determine whether your child is meeting their IEP goals. Schools must track progress, but parents should also take an active role.
What should be tracked in an IEP?
✔ Academic progress – Reading, writing, math, comprehension, etc.
✔ Behavior & social skills – Emotional regulation, peer interactions.
✔ IEP goal achievement – Meeting accommodations and modifications.
✔ Effectiveness of support – Is extra time, assistive technology, or therapy making a difference?
📌 IEP progress should be measurable, with clear data showing whether your child is improving or struggling.
📖 Step 2: How to Track Your Child’s IEP Progress at School
1️⃣ Review the IEP Progress Reports
✔ Schools must provide IEP progress reports at least once per reporting period (aligned with report cards).
✔ These reports should show whether your child is:
• Meeting IEP goals ✅
• Making some progress 📉
• Not making progress ❌
📌 If the reports are vague or missing details, ask the school for specific data.
2️⃣ Request Work Samples & Data
✔ Ask for examples of your child’s work (before-and-after comparisons help).
✔ Request teacher observations, reading levels, or math assessment scores.
✔ If your child receives speech therapy or occupational therapy, ask for session notes.
📌 Progress should be documented with real examples, not just teacher opinions.
3️⃣ Communicate Regularly with Teachers & Support Staff
✔ Email teachers at least once per term for updates.
✔ Request a meeting or phone call if concerns arise.
✔ Ask specific questions, such as:
• “Is my child using the accommodations in class?”
• “What progress do you see in reading/writing/math?”
• “Are the current supports working, or do we need changes?”
📌 Frequent communication ensures that issues are caught early and adjustments can be made.
4️⃣ Observe Your Child at Home
✔ Are they frustrated with homework?
✔ Do they understand lessons, or do they struggle with concepts?
✔ Are they showing progress in social/emotional development?
📌 If your child is struggling at home, it may indicate that the IEP is not effective and needs updates.
🔄 Step 3: How to Advocate for IEP Updates
If your child isn’t making progress, you have the right to request an IEP review and updates.
1️⃣ Know When an IEP Update Is Needed
📌 If any of these apply, it’s time to revise the IEP:
✔ Your child isn’t meeting their IEP goals.
✔ The accommodations aren’t being followed consistently.
✔ Your child’s learning needs have changed (e.g., new diagnosis, skill improvements).
✔ Your child’s teacher suggests adjusting the support plan.
2️⃣ Request an IEP Meeting
✔ Email the teacher or principal requesting a review meeting.
✔ Clearly explain why you believe the IEP needs changes.
✔ Bring work samples, test results, and home observations as evidence.
📧 Sample Email to Request an IEP Meeting:
Subject: Request for IEP Review Meeting
Dear [Teacher/Principal],
I appreciate the support you’ve provided for [Child’s Name] under their IEP. However, I have concerns regarding their progress in [specific area]. Based on [progress reports, home observations, work samples], I believe some adjustments may be needed to better support their learning.
I would like to schedule an IEP review meeting to discuss possible updates. Please let me know a convenient time for this discussion.
Thank you for your time and dedication to [Child’s Name]’s success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
📌 A formal request ensures that your concerns are documented and taken seriously.
3️⃣ Prepare for the IEP Meeting
✔ Bring data and documentation to support your requests.
✔ Clearly outline which accommodations are working and which aren’t.
✔ Ask for specific, measurable updates to the IEP.
Examples of IEP Updates You Can Request:
✔ More 1:1 support or assistive technology if your child struggles with independence.
✔ Extra reading or math interventions if progress is slow.
✔ Adjusting goals to be more realistic and measurable.
📌 The IEP should be flexible and adjusted as your child’s needs evolve.
📢 Final Thoughts: Be an Active Advocate for Your Child’s Success
✔ Tracking IEP progress ensures that your child is receiving the support they need.
✔ Regular communication with teachers helps identify issues early.
✔ Request an IEP review if your child isn’t making progress.
✔ Be specific and prepared when advocating for updates.
💬 Have you had to request an IEP update? Share your experience in the comments!
📌 For more IEP tips and school advocacy advice, subscribe to my blog! 🚀
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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