May Parent Tips: Finishing the School Year Strong

As the school year comes to a close, this is one of the most important times to gather information, reflect on what worked, and set your child up for success next year. A little proactive communication now can make a big difference later.

Here are some simple but powerful steps you can take:

1. Ask Teachers What Actually Worked

Reach out to your child’s case manager and classroom teacher(s) and ask:

• Which SDIs (supports/accommodations) were most helpful?

• Which ones were used consistently?

• Were there supports that are not in the IEP that were helpful?

This helps ensure next year’s plan keeps what is effective and avoids repeating what isn’t.

2. Request End of Year Data

Make sure you have objective data that shows your child’s progress. Ask for:

• End-of-year benchmark data (example: i-Ready, MAP, DIBELS, etc.)

• Any curriculum-based assessments

• Work samples (especially writing)

This data is critical for understanding progress and advocating moving forward.

3. Review the Final Progress Report Carefully

When you receive the last IEP progress report:

• Compare progress to the baseline (Did they actually make meaningful progress?)

• Look for vague language like “progressing” without data

• Note any goals that were not mastered or barely addressed

This information can guide your requests for next year.

4. Get Ahead of End-of-Year Schedule Changes

The end of the year often brings assemblies, field days, altered schedules, and less structure.

Ask the school:

• Can you share upcoming schedule changes or special events?

• How will my child be supported during less structured times?

This is especially important for students who struggle with transitions, anxiety, or behavior.

5. Ask About Skill Regression & ESY (Extended School Year)

If your child has difficulty maintaining skills:

• Ask what data the school used to determine ESY

• Ask whether regression/recoupment was considered

• If ESY was denied, request the data in writing

ESY decisions must be individualized not based on a standard program or timeline.

6. Clarify Any Unmet Needs

Before the year ends, ask:

• Were there any services missed? How will they be made up?

• Were there areas where my child continued to struggle despite supports?

It’s much easier to address these concerns now than in the fall.

7. Start Thinking About Next Year

You don’t need to wait until the next IEP meeting to start planning. Consider asking:

• What supports will be important to continue next year?

• Are there new areas of need emerging?

• What setting will best support my child?

8. Request Communication for the Start of Next Year

Ask the team:

• Who will be my point of contact next year?

• Can key information be shared with next year’s teachers?

A smooth transition can prevent regression and anxiety.

9. Keep Everything Organized

Consider creating a separate email for school communications. 

Create a folder (digital or paper) with:

• Evaluations

• IEPs and progress reports

• Emails and notes from teachers

• Data and report cards

• Work samples 

This makes advocacy much easier when questions arise.