What should I do if my child has an IEP but is not making any progress?

Because you feel that your child is not making progress, it is important to request an IEP meeting as soon as possible. At this meeting, there should be a detailed discussion about the type of assistance your child is receiving and for how long each day. You should also ask her teachers if your child is making progress toward meeting her IEP goals and objectives. Request documentation, such as your child’s work samples and assessments, to support their claim.

You and the rest of the IEP team may need to rewrite your child’s IEP in order to ensure that she is receiving the type and amount of services, accommodations, and modifications she requires to reach her academic potential. Consider bringing a friend or family member with you to the meeting to offer moral support, to be a second set of ears to keep up with all of the information shared during the meeting, and to help keep you focused on what you want to achieve during the meeting. The following articles may give you some other ideas of how you can make the most of this meeting:

• How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children
• Advocacy in Action: You Can Advocate for Your Child!
• What to Do If You Feel the School is Interpreting an IEP Incorrectly (opens in a new window)

Your child’s IEP is a legal document that her school must follow. If you do not feel that her IEP is being met or that you and the school can agree on an IEP for your child, then there are steps you can take. The next article outlines what can happen if there is disagreement about the IEP:

• Understanding the Special Education Process

You can also contact the Parent Information Resource Center (opens in a new window) in your state or find other local support centers (opens in a new window) . They may be able to provide you with information, suggestions, and guidance specific to your child’s needs.

Learn the basics about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) (opens in a new window), which is the current federal standard for special education. Also of interest may be the National for Learning Disabilities’ (NCLD) Parent Guide.

Parents can be the strongest and most knowledgeable advocates for their children, so trust your instincts and don’t give up until your child receives access to education that meets his or her needs!