E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents (Without Panic)

E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents (Without Panic)

June 1, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

Stephanie DeLussey discusses how to effectively communicate a lack of progress to parents in special education settings.

Talking to parents about a lack of progress is one of the most challenging parts of being a special education teacher. When you've been working hard, collecting data, and providing support, it can be difficult to explain that a student isn't growing as expected. In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach these conversations with confidence, use data effectively, and collaborate with families to determine the best next steps. Stephanie covers: What progress really means within an IEP Why consistent progress monitoring matters How to analyze data before talking with parents Ways to explain lack of progress clearly and honestly Lack of progress doesn't mean anyone has failed. It provides valuable information that helps the IEP team make informed decisions and better support the student. This episode will help you navigate these difficult conversations with clarity, professionalism, and a focus on problem-solving. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources…

Sponsors

The Intentional IEP

More episodes of The Intentional IEP Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Intentional IEP Podcast podcast page.