Can Monthly Data Meetings Be Included in IEPs and 504 Plans?
Short answer: Yes. Parents and educators can request monthly meetings to review collected data and then determine if changes in programming need to be made.
Question: Can I request monthly data meetings to track my student’s progress?
Answer: Yes
Who Benefits from Monthly Data Meetings?
Short answer: Everyone benefits. Monthly data meetings provide a structured opportunity for students, parents, and educators to reflect on what is or isn’t working and make timely adjustments.
IEP/504 Plan answer: Students with IEPs or 504 Plans—especially those with behavioral challenges and/or academic deficits—may need more frequent check-ins. This is particularly important for students identified later in their education, who may have limited time left before graduation.
Examples:
Elementary School—Behavioral Needs
Imagine a student who struggles with social interactions and emotional regulation. In small-group counseling, he can express his frustrations, but back in the classroom, he misinterprets peer comments, sees teacher tone as yelling, and struggles to control his anger.
Monthly meetings help school staff and parents compare notes, sort out what has/hasn’t worked, and make timely decisions about behavior supports—preventing escalation and promoting school engagement.
High School—Dyslexia
Imagine a student who wasn’t identified with a specific learning disability until late in high school. The student urgently needs targeted interventions. With limited time before graduation, there’s no room for trial-and-error. Monthly reviews help ensure chosen supports (like a reading elective) are effective and responsive.