IEP Red Flag Checklist

How to Know When an IEP Looks Compliant — But Isn’t Working

Many IEPs appear compliant on paper but fail to produce meaningful progress in practice. This checklist helps families identify common red flags that often go unnoticed, especially in high-performing school districts.

Created by EmpowerED Advocates, this tool is designed to bring clarity, not conflict.

What This Checklist Helps You Do

• Identify vague or non-measurable IEP goals
• Spot gaps in progress monitoring and data collection
• Recognize when services are written but not effectively implemented
• Understand warning signs related to behavior supports, inclusion, and communication
• Prepare focused, informed questions before an IEP meeting

This checklist is especially helpful if you feel that something isn’t working, but you can’t quite name why.

Who This Is For

This resource is ideal for families who:

• Have an existing IEP and want to review it more closely
• Are preparing for an upcoming IEP meeting
• Suspect progress has stalled despite services being in place
• Want to better understand when professional advocacy may be needed

What This Is Not

• This checklist does not provide legal advice
• It does not replace individualized advocacy or representation
• It is an educational, self-guided tool

Some families use this checklist to prepare independently. Others use it to determine whether professional advocacy support is the next step.

Need More Support?

If reviewing this checklist raises additional questions or highlights concerns about implementation or progress, you may benefit from a paid IEP Strategy Session.

➡ Learn About IEP Strategy Sessions