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Part 4: What to Do If IEP Progress Isn’t Happening: Parent Action Steps

  • allison1441
  • Nov 3
  • 2 min read
No progress doesn’t mean no potential — it means the plan needs to change, not the child
No progress doesn’t mean no potential — it means the plan needs to change, not the child.



Sometimes the data tells a hard truth: your child isn’t moving forward as expected. This can feel discouraging, but it’s also an opportunity to act quickly. Remember, an IEP is a living document. If the plan isn’t working, it can (and should) change.


What Parents Can Do:


Here are steps you can take if progress has stalled:

  • Request a meeting: You don’t have to wait for the annual review — you can ask for a CSE/IEP meeting at any time.

  • Review instruction: Ask, “What’s being done right now? Is it research-based, consistent, and evidence-driven?”

  • Adjust supports: Does your child need more direct instruction, additional service time, or a different approach?

  • Revise the goal: If the target was unrealistic (too high or too low), the team can rewrite it to make it more appropriate.


Why This Matters


When progress stalls, the solution isn’t to lower expectations for your child — it’s to change the plan. That might mean new strategies, new supports, or even a new program. The earlier those changes happen, the more time your child has to benefit.


⭐ Parent Power Move


When the data isn’t showing growth, ask:👉 “What changes to instruction or support can we put in place now to help my child succeed?”

This keeps the focus where it belongs: on solutions, not blame.


Changing the plan can be hard work, but every bit of growth is worth it. In Part 5, we’ll wrap up the series by focusing on something equally important: Celebrating 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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