FREE Parent ResourceIEP Progress Report Review Checklist
Updated: 18 hours ago
📥 Prefer to save this for later? Download the printable version here.
Child: __________________________Date: __________________________
IEP Date: ______________________Progress Report Period: __________________
📋 Start With the IEP
Before reviewing the progress report:
☐ Have a copy of the current IEP nearby
☐ Locate the annual goals section
☐ Note your child's starting/baseline level for each goal
☐ Look at how progress is supposed to be measured
☐ Check how often progress reports are supposed to be provided
📊 Review Each IEP Goal
For every annual goal, ask:
☐ Is this goal included in the progress report?
☐ Does the report tell me what my child can do now?
☐ Is actual data provided (scores, percentages, frequency, accuracy, etc.)?
☐ Can I compare the current performance with the starting point?
☐ Is my child showing measurable progress?
☐ Is my child making enough progress to reasonably meet the annual goal?
☐ Has progress slowed, stopped, or gone backward?
☐ Does the information make sense based on what I am seeing at home?
🚩 Watch for Vague Language
If you see statements like:
☐ “Making progress”
☐ “Progressing toward goal”
☐ “Improving”
☐ “Making satisfactory progress”
☐ “Progress continues”
Ask yourself:
Does the report give me enough information to understand what that actually means?
If not, you can ask the school for the data being used to measure progress.
🔎 Look for Patterns
☐ Are some goals showing much less progress than others?
☐ Are the same areas of difficulty appearing repeatedly?
☐ Are there goals with little or no measurable change?
☐ Does the progress report match report cards, work samples and other school information?
☐ Is my child struggling despite receiving the services and supports in the IEP?
☐ Is there anything in this report that surprises or concerns me?
✏️ Questions I Want to Ask the School
Goal/Area: __________________________
My question:
Goal/Area: __________________________
My question:
💙 One Important Question
Based on the progress reported so far, is my child on track to meet their annual IEP goals?
If you can't answer that question after reading the progress report, it's okay to ask for more information.
Before You File It Away...
☐ Save the progress report with your child's IEP records
☐ Keep any work samples or data that help show progress
☐ Write down questions while they're fresh
☐ Follow up with the school if something doesn't make sense
☐ Remember: one progress report is a snapshot — patterns over time matter
💙 Advocacy with Heart,
Allison — The IDEA Ally
Helpful add-ons (free tools)
Next Steps and Resources:
The following websites are incredibly helpful when navigating the Special Education world.
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.
Contact:
Website www.TheIDEAAlly.com
Email Allison@theideaally.com
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