The second semester is a fresh start, but for many parents of children with IEPs, it can also feel like a race against time to catch up on progress that may have fallen behind. Maybe your child struggled in the first semester, their accommodations aren’t working as expected, or their confidence has dropped. If you’re wondering how to ensure your child gets the right IEP support, you’re not alone.
Meet Carlos and Diana, parents from Northern Virginia. Their sixth-grade daughter, Sofia, started the school year strong but hit a roadblock with writing assignments. Her grades in science were solid, but her written lab reports were incomplete and filled with grammatical errors. They wondered if her IEP was still meeting her needs.
Instead of waiting for improvement, they took action. Here’s how they assessed the problem, created a plan, and worked with the school to get Sofia’s IEP back on track. Follow these three steps to do the same.
Step 1: Understand – Identify What’s Working and What’s Not
Before making changes to your child’s IEP, take a clear look at where they stand. What’s going well? Where are they struggling? A targeted approach will help you focus on the right solutions.
Review Your Child’s Progress
Start by gathering the most relevant information:
Check first-semester grades and progress reports. Look for patterns in performance.
Review IEP goals. Is your child meeting, exceeding, or falling short of their targets?
Analyze classwork and homework. Identify specific areas where they need more support.
Go through teacher and specialist communication. What feedback has been shared?
Example: Carlos and Diana noticed that Sofia understood science concepts but struggled to express her ideas in writing. Her IEP included writing accommodations, but they weren’t making a difference.
Ask Key Questions
Dig deeper to pinpoint specific concerns:
Are current IEP accommodations and supports effective?
Has your child’s confidence or engagement changed?
Are new challenges impacting progress this semester?
Action Step: Write down two or three key areas where your child needs more support. This will help guide discussions with teachers and the IEP team.
Step 2: Plan – Set Clear Goals for IEP Success
Once you’ve identified what’s working and what isn’t, it’s time to set clear, actionable goals to improve your child’s IEP outcomes.
Prioritize Key Needs
Instead of trying to address everything at once, focus on what will make the biggest difference:
Academic goals: Strengthening a specific skill (e.g., improving writing structure).
Behavioral or social-emotional goals: Addressing engagement or self-advocacy.
Measurable progress targets: Instead of "improve writing," set a goal like "write a three-paragraph essay using a graphic organizer by May."
Example: Carlos and Diana worked with Sofia’s IEP team to update her writing goal. Instead of a general writing accommodation, the team set a measurable target for structured essay writing.
Collaborate With the IEP Team
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s IEP remains effective. Take these steps to advocate for your child:
Schedule an IEP check-in to review progress and concerns.
Provide documentation. Bring examples of your child’s struggles and successes.
Discuss new strategies. Ask about additional supports such as assistive technology, one-on-one instruction, or modified assignments.
Action Step: Prepare three specific questions for your child’s next IEP meeting. Focus on solutions that will directly impact their progress.
Step 3: Act – Monitor Progress and Follow Through
A great plan is only effective if it’s implemented and monitored consistently. Stay engaged with your child’s progress and ensure their IEP adjustments are making a real difference.
Communicate Regularly With the School
Check in with teachers every two to three weeks for updates.
Request updates on new IEP supports. Are accommodations being used effectively?
Track progress at home. Use a simple binder, digital note, or progress log.
Example: Carlos and Diana set up weekly check-ins with Sofia’s teachers and used a progress tracker at home to log her writing assignments.
Adjust and Celebrate Progress
Identify what’s working. If a strategy is effective, reinforce it.
Revise the plan if needed. If an accommodation isn’t helping, discuss modifications with the IEP team.
Acknowledge small wins. Progress, even in small steps, builds confidence and motivation.
Action Step: Choose a method to track your child’s progress—whether it’s a notebook, an app, or a dedicated IEP binder.
Moving Forward With Confidence
An IEP should evolve with your child’s needs. By following these three steps—Understand, Plan, and Act—you can ensure they get the support necessary to thrive in the second semester.
What’s Next?
Need an easier way to track progress? Download our IEP Progress Tracker [insert link] to help you monitor goals and communicate with the school more effectively.
With clear goals, strong collaboration, and consistent follow-through, parents can make a significant impact on their child’s success.
FAQs About Getting an IEP Back on Track
When should parents request an IEP meeting?
Parents should request an IEP meeting if their child isn’t making progress, their accommodations aren’t working, or new challenges have arisen.
What tools can parents use to track IEP progress?
Parents can use a progress monitoring app, a communication log, or an IEP binder to document schoolwork, teacher feedback, and accommodations.
How can parents support their child’s learning at home?
Work with teachers to implement strategies such as graphic organizers, assistive technology, or structured study routines that reinforce classroom learning.
Final Thoughts
No parent wants to see their child struggle, and the good news is you have the power to make a difference. Start today by reviewing progress, setting a meeting, or tracking changes. The sooner you take action, the sooner your child can get back on track.
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