Which process involves evaluating student progress toward IEP goals?

The process of evaluating student progress toward IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals is known as progress monitoring. This practice involves systematically collecting data on a student’s performance in relation to their specific educational objectives outlined in the IEP. Progress monitoring helps educators determine whether a student is making adequate progress and identifies any need for adjustments in instructional strategies or interventions.

Through regular and consistent measurements, teachers can assess how well the student is responding to the instruction they are receiving and whether they are on track to achieve their goals. This continuous feedback loop is essential in ensuring that educators can effectively tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of each student, providing the opportunity for timely interventions when necessary.

In contrast, standardized testing typically assesses a broader scope of skills and knowledge across large groups of students rather than focusing specifically on individual IEP goals. Curriculum-based assessments evaluate student performance based on their engagement with a specific curriculum and are less targeted than the ongoing assessments used in progress monitoring. Summative evaluations are typically conducted at the end of an instructional period to measure overall achievement or proficiency, rather than tracking ongoing progress toward specific individualized goals. Thus, progress monitoring stands out as the most appropriate process for evaluating student progress toward achieving IEP goals.