What to expect at an annual IEP review

By the IEP Atlas editorial teamLast updated November 1, 2026

Short answer

At the annual IEP review, the team looks at whether your child met last year's goals, updates what your child can do now, writes new goals and decides on services for the coming year. It must happen at least once every 12 months. You are a full member of the team and can ask for changes.

The annual review is the yearly check of your child's IEP. Federal rules say the team must review the IEP at least once a year to see if the goals are being met, and revise it when needed.^[1] Most of the meeting looks back at the past year and then forward to the next one.

For how often meetings happen and how to ask for extra ones, see how often IEP meetings are held. For the meeting process overall, see the IEP meeting guide.

What the team reviews

The law lists what the team should look at when it revises the IEP.^[1]

Progress on each goal. Did your child meet it, come close, or fall behind?
New evaluation results, if any were done this year.
Information from you. What you see at home counts.
Needs coming up next year, such as a new school or harder classes.
Anything else that matters, such as behavior, attendance or health.

What the meeting usually looks like

Most annual reviews take 45 to 75 minutes. A common order:

Introductions and the purpose of the meeting.
Strengths. What your child does well this year.
Progress on last year's goals, one by one.
Updated present levels: what your child can do right now, with numbers.
Your concerns and hopes for next year.
New goals.
Services, minutes, accommodations and placement.
Next steps and who will send you the final copy.

An annotated example: a goal progress summary

Here is a made-up summary for a child named Eli, in grade 4. Many IEPs show something like this. Hold it next to your child's progress report.

Goal from last year	Where Eli started	Where Eli is now	What it means
Read a grade 4 passage at 90 words correct per minute	62 words correct per minute in October	84 words correct per minute in May	Real growth of 22 words, but not quite to the goal. The team might keep a similar goal with a new target.
Solve 2-step word problems, 4 of 5 correct	1 of 5 correct	4 of 5 correct on 3 checks in a row	Goal met. The team should write a harder math goal.
Start work within 2 minutes of directions, 8 of 10 times	3 of 10 times	5 of 10 times	Some growth, slower than hoped. Ask what support has been tried and what might change.

A goal that is not met is not a failure. It is a reason to ask questions. The guide on how to read a progress report explains the common codes.

What can change at an annual review

Almost anything in the IEP can change: goals, minutes, the type of service, accommodations, the setting, and transportation. The team should base changes on data and on what you share. If the school proposes to change or refuses to change something important, it must give you prior written notice explaining why.^[2]

If your child is turning 16 during the IEP year, the IEP must include transition plans for life after high school.^[3] Some states start earlier.

Questions to ask the team

You can say these word for word.

"Which goals did my child meet, and which did they not meet?"
"For the goals not met, what will be different next year?"
"Can you show me the data, not just the rating?"
"Why is this new goal the right next step?"
"Are you proposing to change any service minutes? Why?"
"Is anything being removed from the IEP? Why?"
"Can I have a copy of the draft before I agree?"
"When will I get the final copy?"

What to do next

A week before, read the last two progress reports. Circle any goal where progress was slow.
Write down 2 or 3 things you most want changed. The parent concerns letter can help.
Ask whether a draft will be shared ahead of time; see draft IEPs before the meeting.
Bring the IEP meeting checklist for parents.
Remember you do not have to wait a year. You can request an IEP meeting at any time.
Check the next due date with the IEP due date calculator.
For free help, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center, found through the Center for Parent Information and Resources.^[4]

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the annual IEP review is late?

The IEP must be reviewed at least once a year. If the date passes, ask the school in writing when the meeting will be held. Your state education agency or Parent Training and Information Center can explain what your state requires.

Does my child keep their services if the annual review is delayed?

In most cases the services in the current IEP keep going while the meeting is scheduled. If you are told services will stop because the date passed, ask the school to explain that in writing.

Should my child come to the annual review?

It depends on age and comfort. Many children join for part of the meeting, such as sharing their strengths. Students must be invited when transition planning is discussed.

Use it in IEP Atlas

Sources

34 CFR §300.324: Development, review, and revision of IEP, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
34 CFR §300.503: Prior notice by the public agency; content of notice, U.S. Department of Education (IDEA website)
34 CFR §300.320: Definition of individualized education program, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Center for Parent Information and Resources, CPIR
When the IEP Team Meets, CPIR

Written and checked by the IEP Atlas editorial team under our editorial policy. This guide describes general practice and federal rules. It is not legal advice; your state may add requirements, and the IEP team makes the decisions for each student.