If a student is not making significant progress towards academic goals, what should the IEP team do first?

• A. Change the methods used to evaluate the student's ongoing performance
• B. Transfer the student to another special education classroom with a new instructor
• C. Review the IEP to determine if it has been implemented exactly as it was written
• D. Investigate the student's home environment to identify potential issues

Answer: (C)

The IEP team should first review the IEP to determine if it has been implemented exactly as it was written because this process is critical to ensuring that the educational plan designed for the student is being followed properly. If the IEP is not being implemented as intended, it can lead to a lack of progress, as the student is not receiving the full benefit of the specially designed instruction, accommodations, and supports outlined in the plan.

By confirming that the IEP is being executed as specified, the team can identify any discrepancies or areas that need adjustment before considering other options. This step is essential because it allows the team to ensure fidelity to the educational strategies that are intended to support the student's learning. If the IEP has been implemented faithfully but the student is still not making progress, the team can then consider adjusting the instructional methods or supports based on the student's needs.