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Part 3: Questions Parents Should Ask About IEP Progress Reports

  • allison1441
  • Nov 1
  • 2 min read
Questions Parents should ask about progress monitoring. "Parent Power Questions." Lists: "How often?", "Who collects?", "What tool?", "Can I see the data?"
Quuestions about progress monitoring all parents should ask.




When schools send home progress reports, they are often vague: “making progress,” “emerging,” “some growth noted.” That doesn’t cut it. As a parent, you deserve clear answers.

Key Questions to Ask:


Here are four powerful, parent-friendly questions that get to the heart of progress:

  • How often is progress data collected? Weekly, monthly, or only at report card time?

  • Who is collecting the data? The classroom teacher, special educator, or therapist?

  • What tool is being used? A standardized assessment, curriculum-based measure, or teacher-created probe?

  • Can I see the raw data? Not just the summary, but the actual numbers, graphs, or work samples.


Why This Matters


When you know the “how” and the “who,” you can feel confident the data is accurate. And when you see the numbers yourself, you can hold the team accountable for what’s really happening. These questions give you clarity and control.


⭐ Parent Power Move

At your next IEP meeting, ask:👉 “Can you walk me through how progress for this goal is measured, and show me the actual data?”

Transparency isn’t optional — it’s your right.


Once you start asking the right questions, you’ll want to know what to do when the answers show little or no growth. That’s where we’ll go in Part 4: What to Do If Progress Isn’t Happening.


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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