How should progress monitoring data be used to inform IEP decisions, and what frequency is typical for short-term goals?

• A. Use infrequent measures and annual reviews.
• B. Progress monitoring data should be used to track growth; review data at least weekly or biweekly.
• C. Use progress data only for annual reporting.
• D. Do not use progress data.

Answer: (C)

Progress monitoring data should be used to guide IEP decisions by regularly collecting and analyzing a student’s progress toward short-term objectives and using those results to adjust instruction, supports, and services. For short-term goals, checks are done frequently—often weekly or biweekly—so you can see whether the student is on track and intervene promptly if progress slows. This ongoing data informs whether goals and supports should be maintained, modified, or intensified, and helps determine if instructional strategies need to change. Relying on data only at annual reviews misses timely information and can delay needed changes that help the student improve.