As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to focus on the long list of things that need to be done. Your child’s IEP might be the last thing on your mind, but it is an important time of the year to look at the progress your child is making.
Every nine weeks, schools are required to send home progress reports specifically relating to the IEP goals for your child. This will look different than the generic progress reports or report cards. This is an individualized report unique to your child. It may look like an IEP but is typically a shorter document. It should have every goal listed that was also listed in the IEP.
Underneath each goal, there should be an update about the progress of the goal. Typically, this is in a percentage but may also be in a narrative format. As you look at the progress report, it is important to read through each goal to learn about what is being worked on in the Special Education environment. Some goals may not be addressed every quarter but typically there should be some progress made on each goal. If your child is receiving related services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, these related service providers should also provide an update on what is being worked on during those service minutes.
As you look over the progress report, here are a couple of tips to keep you informed as an IEP team member.
- Save all the previous progress reports so you can compare the progress made from quarter to quarter.
- If there are a lot of goals that were not addressed this quarter, you can ask the team for the data on what was worked on during an intervention.
- Always ask for numbers or percentages so you can see the progress from quarter to quarter.
- You can always ask for more information especially if the progress report does not have a lot of details or says something simple like “the student is making progress towards the goal.”
- You want to know exactly what progress is being made and how the intervention is helping.
- Progress reports help make sure each goal is being addressed and determine if another intervention is needed if there is no progress.
- Make notes on the progress report with any questions you have. You can always call another IEP meeting if you have lots of questions or ask the IEP team for more information.
- Highlight any goals that have been met. If a goal has been met, a new IEP meeting is needed to create new goals.
- Look back over the IEP and make sure none of the goals are missing and that everything was addressed appropriately.
- Remember you are a critical part of the IEP team and if you have questions or concerns always ask.
So, before you hang up those backpacks for the holiday season, be sure to check for progress reports. Progress reports help you learn what is happening in the classroom and should give you an accurate picture of your child’s current skill set. If something doesn’t seem right, always ask. Staying informed is one of the best gifts you can give both you and your child this holiday season. As always, feel free to reach out to us if we can help in any way! Call 1-800-640-4636 or email TNPathfinder@vumc.org.