December Data Review: How to Quickly Analyze 18 Weeks of Progress Monitoring
By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate
As we reach the halfway point of the school year, December is the perfect time for parents to take a clear look at how their child is progressing. Schools often share progress-monitoring data every few weeks, but it can feel overwhelming to know what it all means. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to spot trends. With a simple system, you can review 18 weeks of data in just a few minutes.
Start With the First and Last Scores
Look at your child’s score from Week 1 and compare it to the most recent week. Has the number gone up, stayed the same, or gone down? This alone tells you whether there is growth. If the score hasn’t changed or has decreased, that’s a sign the current supports or instruction may not be working.
Check the Weekly Rate of Growth
Divide the total growth by 18 weeks. Even small weekly gains add up. If progress is slow, inconsistent, or far below what is typical for a child their age, it may be time to ask the school how the intervention is being delivered and whether adjustments are needed.
Look for Patterns, Not Perfect Lines
Most progress-monitoring graphs aren’t perfectly smooth. Instead, look for the overall trend. A steady upward pattern means your child is learning. A flat or “roller coaster” pattern can signal inconsistent instruction, missing accommodations, or a mismatch between the child and the intervention.
Compare Growth to the Goal
Every intervention or IEP goal should have a target the child is expected to reach by the end of the year. If the current rate of progress won’t meet the goal, the team should revise the approach now rather than waiting until spring.
Ask Three Key Questions
When meeting with the school, these questions help guide the discussion:
Is my child on track to meet their end-of-year goal?
Is the intervention being provided as scheduled and with fidelity?
What adjustments can we make now to keep progress moving?
A mid-year data review is not about pointing fingers—it’s about making sure your child has what they need to thrive. When parents understand the basic trends in progress monitoring, they can confidently partner with the school and ensure the second half of the year is even stronger than the first.
