The IEP progress report says progress but shows no data
The quarterly report calls the reading or math goal “making progress” or “improving,” but it lists no score, trial count, probe, or work sample tied to that goal. Not on its own: the goal page states a measurement method, and the periodic report is a report on progress under that method, so a phrase with no number behind it falls short (34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)). Start by pulling the IEP page or the letter the dispute turns on and writing down today’s date; every move below adds to that record.
What the rule says
“A description of— (i) How the child’s progress toward meeting the annual goals … will be measured; and (ii) When periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals … will be provided”
34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)
A goal page that names its measurement method sets the standard the report is checked against, not a phrase in place of a number.
What to do this week, in order
List the goal page’s baseline, its target, and the exact method it names for measuring it: trials, probes, or work samples.
Your own list of the goal’s baseline, target, and method
Line up each report entry beside the goal it scores and mark which carry a number or sample and which give only a phrase.
A one-page table, goal by goal, entry by entry
Put the request to the case manager in writing: the scores, trial counts, or probes behind this period’s entries are records you may inspect.
Your dated email requesting that data34 CFR 300.501(a)
If no data arrives, or it shows no gain, ask that the IEP team meet to review whether the measurement method needs to change.
Written confirmation of the team’s meeting decision34 CFR 300.324(b)(1)(ii)(A)
What to put in writing
Replace what sits in brackets and send it by email, so the date is fixed.
- To
- Whoever signed the report, plus the special education office
Dear [Name of whoever signed the report], The progress report dated [report date] calls [child’s full name]’s reading goal, on IEP page [IEP page], “making progress,” yet the entry for [first date] through [last date] carries no score, trial count, or work sample. Please send the data behind that entry, and confirm in writing which method — probes, trials, or samples — the goal’s own wording uses to measure it. If the district decides not to produce it, please send that answer as prior written notice referencing 34 CFR 300.503(b). Thank you, [Your name]
If the answer is no, it arrives as prior written notice: what was refused, why, and the records the district relied on (34 CFR 300.503(b)).
When to escalate, and to whom
Escalate when the written answer is a no, or when the record you built this week draws no answer at all.
| The path | The count | How it runs |
|---|---|---|
| A state complaint | 60 days to a decision | A signed letter to your state education agency about a violation inside the past year; the state decides in writing within 60 days.34 CFR 300.152(a), 300.153(c) |
| Mediation | Voluntary, at no cost to you | You and the district sit with an impartial mediator the state pays for; it can start before any complaint and may not delay a hearing.34 CFR 300.506(b) |
| A due process complaint | 2 years to file | A hearing before an impartial officer; the district holds a resolution meeting within 15 days, and the decision is due 45 days after the 30-day resolution period.34 CFR 300.507(a)(2), 300.510(a)(1), 300.515(a) |
Those counts are IDEA’s; your state may set its own window for due process, and publishes its own complaint form.
This page explains the federal rule, and it does not replace your state’s procedures, or advice from someone qualified to read your file.
Have the pages this dispute is about read back to you, free.
The review reads every page you upload, names the service, goal or wording that is vague or missing, and gives you its page number.
Review my IEP — freeFree, no card. It reads your pages and contacts no one.
Where this comes from
- Progress measurement and reporting (34 CFR 300.320(a)(3))The quoted description, at (a)(3).
- When the team revises for lost progress (34 CFR 300.324)What the team does about no gain.
- Right to inspect the data records (34 CFR 300.501)How you obtain the underlying data.
- Prior written notice (34 CFR 300.503)What every no owes you.
When the paragraph needs to become a full letter, the letter templates carry one for each request.