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Part 2: How Schools Monitor IEP Progress (and What Parents Should Expect to See)

  • allison1441
  • Oct 30
  • 2 min read
Line graph with upward trend labeled “Progress Monitoring = The IEP GPS,” illustrating how regular check-ins guide IEP goals across the school year.
Progress monitoring works like a GPS for the IEP -Showing parents and schools if learning is on track.


An IEP goal without progress monitoring is like setting a GPS route and then ignoring the directions. Progress monitoring is what tells us whether your child is moving toward their goals, stalling out, or even heading in the wrong direction.


What Progress Monitoring Should Look Like

Here are the key ingredients of effective progress monitoring:

  • Frequent Data Collection: Teachers gather information regularly (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) using consistent tools.


  • Clear Reporting: Updates should be written in measurable terms (percentages, frequency counts, accuracy rates). Phrases like “making progress” aren’t enough.


  • Visual Growth: Charts or graphs can help parents see whether their child is on track.


  • Responsive Instruction: This is super important — if the data shows your child isn’t making expected progress, the team should adjust instruction, supports, or even the goal itself.


An Example of Progress Data

Instead of:

“Sam’s fluency is improving.”


Parents should see:

“In November, Sam read 82 words per minute at 90% accuracy. In January, he read 102 words per minute at 92% accuracy, showing steady growth toward his annual goal of 120 words per minute with 95% accuracy.”


The second example doesn’t just tell you progress is happening — it proves it.


Why This Matters

Progress monitoring is your early warning system. If the numbers aren’t improving, you don’t have to wait until June to realize something isn’t working. You can step in mid-year and request changes so your child doesn’t lose valuable time. Conversely, if your child is zooming through and mastering the goal early, that’s also important — it might be time to raise the bar and make the goal more challenging.


⭐ Parent Power Move

At your next IEP meeting, ask:👉 “Can I see the actual data that shows progress toward this goal?”


If the school only gives you vague statements, press gently for numbers, graphs, or work samples. Remember, IDEA requires measurable goals — and you deserve to see the measurements. It’s not pushy — it’s your right.


Data only matters if you know how to use it. In Part 3, I’ll share the exact questions parents can ask to get clear answers about their child’s progress.


Helpful add-ons (free tools)



Next Steps and Resources:

The following websites are incredibly helpful when navigating the Special Education world. · www.wrightslaw.com


Need help personalizing your letter or planning next steps? I offer one-on-one support—virtual anywhere in the U.S. and in-person across NY/NJ. Work with me.


About the Author

Allison Rosenberg Meyerson is a special education advocate with 30+ years in the classroom and as a literacy specialist. She is Orton-Gillingham Certified, a COPAA SEAT 1.0 graduate, and a Dyslexia Advocate. Based in Warwick, NY, she supports families across NY, NJ, and virtually nationwide through The IDEA Ally.


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