Wrap Up the School Year Like a Pro: Your End-of-Year IEP Checklist!
The end of the school year is here! While it's tempting to shift into summer mode as soon as the last bell rings, there are a few important things you’ll want to wrap up before heading off for vacation — especially if your child has an IEP. Gathering the right documents now will give you a clear picture of your child’s progress, help you plan for summer support, and set the foundation for a successful start to the next school year. Taking the time to collect key information and review your child’s progress will put you in a strong position to advocate for any adjustments or additional services your child may need next year.
Finishing the school year strong is about more than just closing the books — it’s about setting your child up for future success.
Why the End of the School Year Matters
Closing out the school year properly is not just about celebrating accomplishments — it's about setting your child up for success in the next grade. The information you gather now will give you valuable insight into how well your child’s IEP was followed, whether progress was made on key goals, and where additional support may be needed.
Many schools purge records over the summer, which means that once the school year ends, you may no longer have access to certain documents or data. That’s why it’s critical to request everything you need before the school year officially closes. Having this information will help you prepare for your child’s next IEP meeting and ensure that all necessary supports are in place when the new school year begins.
✅ The End-of-Year Checklist for Parents
Before the last day of school, make sure you request the following items from your child’s school:
✔️ Report Card – This gives you a summary of your child’s academic performance over the year.
✔️ ESE Progress Report – This report shows how well your child met their IEP goals and identifies any areas where progress was limited.
✔️ IEP Goal Data – Request detailed data on each IEP goal to see whether your child met or made progress toward their goals.
✔️ First-Attempt Test Scores – Ask for the raw data from classroom tests to get a sense of how your child performed before any accommodations or retakes were applied.
✔️ Work Samples from Each Class – These samples help you see how your child performed across different subjects and can provide insight into strengths and challenges.
✔️ Independent Writing Samples – Collect writing samples to evaluate how well your child’s communication and writing skills have developed over the year.
✔️ ESE Service Logs – Request a copy of the service logs to confirm that all IEP services were provided as required. If any services were missed, you can request makeup or compensatory services.
✔️ State and District Test Scores – These scores give you a broader sense of how your child is performing compared to grade-level standards.
✔️ FAST Reports – If your child took the FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking), request the full report to review detailed performance insights.
✔️ End-of-Year Exam Scores – This helps you understand how your child performed on cumulative exams and whether they mastered key content areas.
Action Plan for Parents
✅ 1. Request End-of-Year Documents Early
Schools can get hectic during the final weeks of the year, so put in your request for documents at least 2 to 3 weeks before the last day of school. This gives the school enough time to compile the information and allows you time to review it before summer starts.
✅ 2. Review IEP Goal Data and Progress Reports
Take time to compare your child’s IEP goals with the progress data. If certain goals weren’t met or progress was limited, this is a sign that adjustments may be needed for next year.
✅ 3. Request Makeup or Compensatory Services
If the ESE service log shows that your child missed any IEP services, you have the right to request makeup or compensatory services. The school is still responsible for providing all minutes of IEP services, even during testing weeks or if the ESE teacher was pulled for other duties.
✅ 4. Schedule an IEP Meeting (if needed)
If you notice gaps in progress or services, you can request an IEP meeting before the school year ends or early in the next school year to adjust your child's plan.
How to End the Year on a Positive Note
The last few weeks of school can be exhausting — for both you and your child! Here are a few ways to make the transition into summer smooth and positive:
⭐ Celebrate Successes
Acknowledge your child’s hard work and progress — no matter how small. Remind them that growth matters more than perfection.
🍎 Send Healthy Snacks and Water
Help your child stay focused and energized during those last few weeks by packing protein-rich snacks (like yogurt, cheese sticks, and nuts) and a water bottle.
🧠 Teach Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
Testing and end-of-year assessments can be stressful. Teach your child to manage stress with simple breathing techniques, like "box breathing" (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts).
🏃 Encourage Play and Movement
Let your child unwind after school with physical activity — running, biking, or playing outside. Movement helps release stress and supports focus.
💤 Pause After-School Tutoring
Give your child’s brain a break from the mental load of school and testing. Resume tutoring after they’ve had some time to decompress.
❤️ Reinforce Their Value
Remind your child that test scores and grades don’t define them. Their hard work, kindness, creativity, and resilience are what truly matter.
Final Thoughts
Finishing the school year strong is about more than just closing the books — it’s about setting your child up for future success. By collecting key documents, reviewing progress data, and supporting your child’s mental and emotional health, you’ll enter the next school year with confidence and clarity.
If you need help reviewing IEP data or preparing for next year’s IEP meeting, IEP Partner is here to help. Reach out today — we’ll make sure your child’s next school year starts on the right track!
