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IEP Pathway

Understand Your IEP

Measuring and reporting progress

What the IEP has to say about measuring progress, and how to read reports over time.

What this means

IDEA requires the IEP to describe how the child's progress toward the annual goals will be measured, and when periodic reports on that progress will be provided. These are requirements, not optional details.

Measurement may involve data collection, work samples, assessments, observations, accuracy, frequency, task completion or other methods appropriate to the goal.

IDEA gives examples of periodic reports, such as quarterly reports or reports issued at the same time as report cards, but the format and schedule can vary between districts.

A goal progress report is not the same as a general report card. A report card describes performance in classes; a progress report describes movement toward the specific annual goals in the IEP.

What you may see

  • A stated method of measurement for each goal
  • A stated schedule for periodic progress reports
  • Written progress reports describing status on each goal
  • Different formats from one district to another

Follow the thread

  1. Present levels
  2. Annual goal
  3. Measurement
  4. Progress report
  5. Questions for the team

Questions to consider

  • What was the starting point?
  • What outcome are we working toward?
  • If progress is slower than expected, does this information help us understand why?
  • What will the team consider if the current approach is not producing expected progress?
  • Who should I contact if I have questions between reports?

What you may want to write down

  • The dates progress reports are expected and when they arrive
  • What each report said, in a sentence or two
  • Questions to raise at the next meeting

Sources and review

Last reviewed: September 10, 2026. This page was reviewed by IEP Pathway against the sources below. State, district and school practices can differ from the federal baseline, so confirm local procedures with your school or state education agency.

Sources

Important note

This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.

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