As the school year continues it’s a good idea for parents to be proactive. The school year is well into the second quarter of this school term. By now parents should have received the first report card for the 2011-2012 school year, and perhaps a few progress reports. This information can be utilized to promote your child’s success for the remaining term.

Children with special needs usually receive a regular report card and a progress report pertaining to the goals on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The report card will show your child’s progress towards the academic standards, while the IEP progress report should pertain only to your child’s specific needs. Both documents are informational and important for school success.

Being proficient in the academic standards is necessary to receive a passing grade on the report card. Hopefully, accommodations are in place to assist your child master the curriculum.  If not, you may need to address that concern with the teacher. Achieving the specific goals on the IEP will foster improvement in deficits relating to your son/daughter’s disability. You can work together as a family on these goals at home, given appropriate information and materials when needed. Daily practice is essential in reinforcing procedures and concepts learned at school.

Children with special needs may not always make the same gains as their peers. However, you can help them to be successful. Review the information on the report card and progress report with the teacher. If you didn’t have a parent teacher conference, you can request one. Make sure you have all your questions and concerns answered. Once you’ve determined any areas of current weakness you can then address them, promoting school success.

Hopefully the teacher can address all your concerns, but there are resources available if you find yourself needing answers. If you have any questions or need information about IEP goals and objectives, accommodations or curriculum, I am available to answer questions. Please feel free to contact me at www.spedservice.com. Set a path for continued success and attainable expectations through the end of year.