What describes the progress the student should be making as part of the IEP?

• A. The student should be making adequate progress toward minimal goals.
• B. The student should be making reasonable progress toward ambitious goals.
• C. The student should be making maximal progress toward reasonable goals.
• D. The student should be making at least minimal progress toward ambitious goals.

Answer: (B)

The correct choice emphasizes that the student should be making reasonable progress toward ambitious goals, which aligns with the intent of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in special education. The focus on "ambitious goals" reflects the legal requirement established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide students with disabilities access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Setting ambitious goals encourages educators to aim high for students, promoting growth and development beyond just basic or minimal expectations. This supports a mindset that all students, regardless of their disabilities, can achieve significant progress when provided with the right supports and interventions. The emphasis on "reasonable progress" indicates that goals should be attainable within the student's unique context, ensuring that progress is both challenging and realistic. This balance helps to foster motivation and engagement while simultaneously tracking meaningful advancement in the student's educational journey.

Overall, this choice captures the essence of setting high aspirations for students with disabilities and creating a framework for meaningful educational achievement.