Can less be more?

Shannon Sankstone

Dear Advocate, 

I just got my child’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP) progress report, and I’m honestly confused. For most of the goals, it has no data, and then has all these codes. Most are “NI” or “ES.” And that’s it. There’s no explanation, no examples, and no numbers. Will my child be held back? 

 -NI? ES? IDK in Thurston 

Dear Nessy, 

If you’re reading your child’s IEP progress report and feel like you’re staring at alphabet soup, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from parents at this time of year, and I’m glad you asked!  

Decoding the codes 

Here in Thurston County, most districts use IEPOnline, a system for managing IEPs. That system uses a set of nine codes to report progress. 

 “NI” means the goal hasn’t been worked on during the grading period. That could be OK if it’s a year-long goal very recently created, but if your child has gone months without receiving instruction on a skill they struggle with, then that’s a red flag. 

“ES” means your child is just beginning to show signs of developing the skill. Think of it as the “maybe” zone. The skill isn’t there yet, but some pieces are starting to come together. Again, this can be fine if it’s followed by consistent, targeted instruction or the goal is new. But if “ES” shows up quarter after quarter with no change, it could mean the goal is too ambitious, the instruction isn’t working, or your child isn’t being supported the way they need to be. 

More is needed 

But here's the catch: These codes are only helpful if they're accompanied by real data and context. A code by itself doesn’t tell you whether your child is moving forward or standing still. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) encourages schools to provide narrative, data and dates in the “comments” section of the report card. In fact, OSPI discourages only using codes.   

For other goals

Look across the entire progress report. Are there any goals showing actual growth over time? Do you see increases in percentage, accuracy or frequency? Is the narrative portion (if there is one) consistent with the codes? 

Watch out for copy-pasted comments like “progressing toward goal” or “goal will continue,” especially if they’ve shown up in past years. A repeated goal with repeated codes and no real change often signals the IEP isn’t working as intended. 

Advocacy strategies 

Here’s what you can do right now: 

• Ask for the data. Request the actual measurements behind each goal. What does “emerging skill” look like in practice? How often was your child taught or assessed on that goal? 

• Schedule an IEP meeting. If most goals are marked NI or ES, you don’t need to wait for the annual review. Request a team meeting to discuss your concerns and ask whether instructional changes are needed. 

• Ask why. Why wasn’t instruction provided (NI)? Why is the skill still emerging (ES)? What supports were in place? What adjustments are being made? 

• Take notes. Start your own parent data log. Track what you’re seeing at home, what’s working, and what questions you’ve asked the team. 

Take a deep breath 

Your child shouldn’t be held back a grade simply due to an IEP progress report. In Washington, few children are grade retained, and it involves a lengthy discussion and many, many people to agree. An IEP isn’t used for this purpose. Rather, an IEP is built to provide support in areas of need and bring the child closer to grade level expectations. 

 Kind Regards, 

Shannon 

Homework 

Before your next IEP meeting, pick one goal coded as “ES” and write down what you'd expect to see if that skill were truly emerging. Then write down what you’ve actually seen at home or in work samples. Are they aligned? If not, bring that to the meeting. 

And if you’re getting the same codes each time, it might not be your child who’s stuck. It might be the IEP. 

Next time

Time to shine that spotlight! 

This column is written by Shannon Sankstone, she is an Olympia-based special education advocate and the owner of Advocacy Unlocked. She may be reached at ShannonSankstone@theJOLTnews.com.