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27 Questions to Ask at Your Child’s IEP Meeting (By Situation)
The parents who get strong IEPs are not the loudest in the room — they ask questions that require specific answers. Ask these, write the answers down, and the meeting changes.
What current data supports this present level — and when was it collected?
How is my child performing compared to grade-level standards, not just compared to last year?
Who collects progress data, how often, and can I see it between report periods?
What does regression look like for my child, and how would we know?
About goals
How will we measure this goal — what number makes it "met"?
Is this goal ambitious enough given a full year of specialized instruction?
What happened with last year’s goals — met, partially met, or repeated?
Who is responsible for instruction toward this goal?
About services and placement
Exactly how many minutes per week of each service, and are they direct or consult?
Who delivers each service and what is their qualification?
What happens when a provider is absent — are missed sessions made up?
Why is this placement the least restrictive environment for my child?
What supplementary aids were considered before moving toward more restrictive options?
About accommodations
How will every teacher know about these accommodations — including specials and substitutes?
How do we monitor that accommodations are actually being used?
Which accommodations carry to state testing?
When you hear a vague answer
The all-purpose follow-up: "Can you show me the data behind that?" — and if a request is refused: "Please put that refusal in prior written notice." Districts must document refusals in writing with reasons under IDEA, and answers get noticeably more precise when they know it goes on paper.
Ending the meeting
What are the next steps, who owns each, and by what date?
When will I receive the final IEP?
I am taking the draft home before signing consent — what is the deadline? (In most states you may take it home. Signing attendance is not agreeing to content.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign the IEP at the meeting?
Signing the attendance sheet just records you were there. For consent to the plan itself, most states allow you to take the document home to review before agreeing — say you want to review it, and confirm the timeline.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. IDEA lets parents bring individuals with knowledge or special expertise — a friend for notes, an advocate, or an attorney. Tell the team in advance as a courtesy.
What if my questions are not answered in the meeting?
Send a follow-up email the same day listing each open question. That creates a record, and unanswered written questions become evidence if the dispute escalates.
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