Is Your Student’s IEP Ready for the New School Year?
A new school year means new teachers, new routines, and new expectations. It’s also the perfect time to take a fresh look at your student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program). Goals and accommodations that worked last year might need some tweaking to make sure your student is set up for success.
Here’s how to check with some simple tips for talking with the IEP team.
1. Look Back at Last Year’s Progress
Start by reviewing last year’s progress reports, teacher feedback, or testing data.
Ask yourself:
- Did my student meet their goals?
- Were the goals too easy or too hard?
- Are there areas where my student still needs support?
Parent tip:
Bring examples to your meeting like report cards, homework samples, or even your own notes to help show where things went well or where your student struggled.
2. Think About What’s New This Year
A new grade level brings changes such as harder academics, new routines, or bigger classrooms.
Ask yourself:
- Are these goals still a good fit for what my student will experience this year?
- Does my student need supports for transitions, social skills, or independence?
If your student is in middle or high school, it’s especially important to check that their class schedule matches their transition goals in the IEP. For example:
- If they have a goal to explore careers, do they have access to career awareness classes or job skills programs?
- If college is the goal, are they taking the right academic classes to stay on track for graduation?
Parent tip:
Ask the school early about electives, work-based learning programs, or community partnerships that could support your student’s transition plan.
3. Make Sure the Goals Are Clear and Trackable
A strong goal is specific and measurable so everyone knows what success looks like.
Example:
- Too vague: “Will improve reading.”
- Clear and trackable: “By May 2026, during classroom activities, the student will independently request clarification or support when they do not understand an assignment in 4 out of 5 opportunities, as recorded by teacher observation logs.”
Parent tip:
If you’re not sure whether a goal is clear, ask: “How will I know when my child has met this goal?”
4. Review the Accommodations
Accommodations remove barriers so your student can show what they know.
Ask yourself:
- Are these supports still helpful?
- Does my student need something different this year?
Examples of helpful accommodations:
- Extra time on tests or assignments
- A quiet space for testing or calming down
- Visual schedules or checklists
- Assistive technology like text-to-speech
Parent tip:
Get input from your student on what helps them or what doesn’t. Kids often have the best insight about what’s actually working for them.
5. Talk With the Team
Your student’s teachers, therapists, and service providers have valuable perspectives.
Questions you can ask in the meeting:
- “What new challenges do you see for my student this year?”
- “Are there any supports you think we should add or update?”
- “Can you show me how progress will be tracked?”
- “Does this class schedule support their transition goals?”
Parent tip:
Bring a short list of your priorities so you don’t forget anything during the meeting.
6. Watch for Signs That Changes Are Needed
Keep an eye out during the school year for signs that the IEP needs updating:
- Goals aren’t being met or were met too easily
- New academic, social, or behavior challenges appear
- Accommodations aren’t being used or don’t seem helpful
- Your student shows frustration, avoidance, or regression
Parent tip:
When you see these signs, you can request an IEP meeting to make adjustments without having to wait until the annual review.
The Bottom Line
Your student grows and changes every year and their IEP should too. By checking in on last year’s progress, thinking about what’s ahead, and staying in close communication with the IEP team, you can help make sure your student has the right support for a successful school year.
Not sure where to start with your child’s IEP or what updates might be needed? Our Utah Parent Center educational parent consultants can help! Call us at 801-272-1051.
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