An IEP should change when evidence shows that a strategy is working, is not working or no longer matches the student’s needs. Progress monitoring helps families and educators move from general impressions to specific educational decisions.
Quick answer
What should parents track?
Track a small number of meaningful outcomes connected to the IEP: independence, accuracy, completion, communication, regulation or access to learning. Combine school data with work samples and the student’s experience rather than relying on marks alone.
A simple review cycle
- Choose one or two priority goals from the current IEP.
- Agree on what evidence will show progress and how often it will be reviewed.
- Collect representative work samples or observations without turning home into another classroom.
- Compare performance across settings and note which supports were available.
- Meet at an agreed date and decide what to continue, adjust or replace.
When an update may be needed
- The student has met a goal or is making little progress.
- An accommodation is not consistently available or is not useful.
- A new assessment changes the understanding of strengths and needs.
- The student is entering a new grade, school, program or course.
- The student can increasingly explain which supports help.
Keep communication focused
Use neutral examples, ask for the school’s evidence and request a written summary of agreed changes. A short, regular review is usually more useful than waiting for a crisis.
Official sources
Confirm current procedures with the school and use the latest Ontario or YCDSB documents when a formal decision is involved.
Related parent guides
Last reviewed: July 20, 2026. Independent parent information, not legal advice or an official YCDSB publication.