When will I receive my child’s educational progress report?
This is a common question asked by parents and guardians of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
As the school year gets underway, you might be wondering if the goals and services outlined in your child’s IEP are effectively addressing their educational and functional needs. It’s natural to have concerns about whether the plan, created in collaboration with a team of professionals, is making a tangible impact.
Understanding IEP progress monitoring
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that every IEP includes “a description of how the child’s progress toward meeting the annual goals… will be measured.” It also mandates that parents are informed regularly about their child’s progress toward those goals. This means that alongside report cards, you should receive a progress report that provides insight into your child’s development and any adjustments made to support their learning.
According to federal law (20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A)), progress reports should be issued at least as often as report cards, whether that’s quarterly or another periodic schedule. These reports are designed to help you track your child’s progress toward their IEP goals and determine whether the current strategies are working or if adjustments are needed.
What should the progress report include?
A good progress report goes beyond just stating whether your child is "on track" or "making progress." It should offer specific information on:
How your child is advancing toward their annual goals.
What measures are being used to assess progress, such as assessments, observations, or performance data.
Whether the current supports and services are sufficient, or if modifications to the IEP may be needed.
Any additional observations from the teacher or specialists working with your child.
What If you don’t receive a report?
If you haven't received a progress report by the time report cards are issued, it’s a good idea to follow up with the school. You can ask:
When and how progress reports are typically distributed.
How often the school measures your child’s progress.
What methods they use to assess your child’s growth.
Keeping open communication with your child's IEP team is key to ensuring the plan remains effective. If you’re concerned that the goals aren't being met or progress is slow, don’t hesitate to request a meeting to review the IEP. Sometimes, adjustments to goals, supports, or services are needed to better address your child’s needs.
How you can stay engaged
Attend scheduled IEP meetings and request additional ones if needed.
Maintain communication with your child’s teachers and specialists.
Review the progress reports and bring any questions or concerns to the team.
Work with the IEP team to ensure that any necessary changes are made based on the reports you receive.
The importance of monitoring progress
Regular progress monitoring helps ensure that your child is on the right path toward achieving their IEP goals. It also empowers you to be proactive in addressing any concerns before they affect your child’s overall educational development. Your involvement as a parent is a crucial part of ensuring that the IEP remains effective and adaptable to your child’s evolving needs.
As a parent, you should expect to receive your child’s progress report around the same time that report cards are distributed. These reports serve as valuable tools to help you and your child’s educational team work together to ensure your child’s success.