After assessing a student with both formative and summative assessments, what is the teacher's next step if the student is making progress?

• A. Ignore the assessment results and continue the current IEP goals
• B. Update the student’s IEP goals to ensure they are appropriately challenging
• C. Conduct a completely different assessment
• D. Reduce the amount of instruction to speed up progress

Answer: (B)

The next step after assessing a student with both formative and summative assessments and observing that the student is making progress is to update the student’s IEP goals to ensure they are appropriately challenging. This action aligns with the intent of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is to set specific, measurable goals tailored to the student’s unique needs.

As students make progress, it is essential to adjust their goals so they continue to be ambitious and reflect higher expectations. Updating the IEP ensures that the student is challenged and engaged in their learning, promoting further growth and development. This supports the ongoing process of monitoring student performance and making necessary adjustments, which is critical in special education to provide effective instruction and support.