IEP Annual Review: What You Need to Know
The IEP annual review is one of the most important steps in supporting your child’s education.
This yearly meeting brings together educators, parents, and service providers to assess how well your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is working and make updates to keep it aligned with their needs and progress.
Whether you’re a seasoned participant or attending your first review, understanding the process can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Why the IEP Annual Review Matters
The primary goal of the annual review is to make sure that the IEP remains an effective tool for your child’s success. Children grow, change, and develop new strengths and challenges over time.
This meeting provides an opportunity to:
Evaluate Progress: Review how your child is doing in relation to the goals outlined in their IEP. This includes academic, social, emotional, and functional achievements.
Address Changes: Discuss any shifts in your child’s needs, whether they are academic, social-emotional, or health-related.
Update the Plan: Adjust goals, services, or accommodations to match your child’s current situation and future goals.
What Happens During the Meeting
The IEP team—which typically includes parents, teachers, a school administrator, and any relevant service providers—will:
Review Progress: Teachers and specialists will present data, assessments, and observations about your child’s performance and achievements.
Discuss Needs: The team will identify areas where your child may need additional support or different strategies to succeed.
Revise the IEP: Goals may be updated, services adjusted, or accommodations changed to better support your child’s development.
Confirm Appropriateness: The team will affirm that the IEP remains tailored to your child’s unique needs and sets them up for continued success.
How Parents Can Prepare
Preparation is key to making the most of the IEP annual review. Here are a few tips:
Review the Current IEP: Familiarize yourself with your child’s existing goals, services, and accommodations.
Gather Information: Collect teacher reports, progress updates, and any notes you’ve kept about your child’s experience.
Make a List: Write down questions, concerns, or suggestions to bring up during the meeting.
Advocate for Your Child: Remember, your input is invaluable. Share your perspective and work collaboratively with the team to make decisions.
What if You Disagree?
Disagreements can happen, but they don’t have to derail the process.
Open communication and respectful dialogue often lead to solutions. If an agreement can’t be reached, you have the right to request mediation or a due process hearing to resolve the issue. Having a special education advocate by your side can make for a smoother process.
The IEP annual review is an opportunity to make sure your child’s educational plan is on track and supporting their growth. By staying informed, prepared, and engaged, you can help create a plan that empowers your child.
About Education Empowerment Partners
Education Empowerment Partners was founded by Kate Lakowski, a nationally certified school psychologist who is uniquely qualified to help you with your child’s needs. Through a collaborative approach and data-based decision making, Kate will work with your child’s educational team to develop a plan that will help lead to successful outcomes for your child’s educational career and future goals.
For more information, visit educationempowermentpartners.com.
