Episode 23 | Reading IEP Progress Reports with a Growth Mindset

IEP progress reports are more than paperwork — they’re a critical part of understanding how your child is growing and whether their supports are working.In this episode of The Whole Child Advocate, Dominique McLellan explains how parents can read IEP progress reports through a growth mindset, focusing on patterns, direction, and meaningful progress rather than perfection.Dominique also explains an important legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): schools must measure and report a student’s progress toward IEP goals and share those updates with parents regularly — often aligned with report card timelines.In this episode you’ll learn:What IEP progress reports should actually tell youHow to interpret data, trends, and teacher observationsWhy progress toward goals matters more than gradesQuestions parents can ask that promote collaboration instead of conflictCommon mistakes families make when reviewing reports💡 Key Takeaway: Progress reports are not a verdict about your child’s abilities — they’re a roadmap for growth and effective advocacy.📘 Download the IEP Progress Review Worksheet at:www.wholechildadvocacy.com🎧 Follow The Whole Child Advocate for weekly guidance helping families navigate special education with clarity and confidence.