SPEDTalks: TheParent Edition

November |Building Momentum: Monitoring Your Child’s Progress

November is a wonderful time to celebrate student growth, reflect on accomplishments, and identify opportunities for continued success.

At Fulton County Schools, Services for Exceptional Children (SEC), we recognize that every student's learning journey is unique. Progress may look different for each child, and every step forward matters.

This month, The Exceptional Exchange focuses on helping families understand how their child's progress is measured, how to recognize growth, and how to partner with school teams to support continued learning.

Together, we can build momentum toward meaningful student outcomes!

Hello, FCS Exceptional Families!

My name is Analecia Mathis, and I’m your new Parent Mentor. As the parent of a child with unique learning needs, I understand firsthand that every family’s experience is different and that having the right support can make a meaningful difference. I’m here to listen, connect you with resources, help you understand and navigate the special education process, and make sure your voice is heard. I look forward to partnering with you, celebrating your child’s strengths, and supporting your family every step of the way.

Need support?

Parent Mentor: Analecia Mathis

Email : mathisa2@fultonschools.org

Join us as we explore the steps involved in Preparing for Transition from High School. You will learn the keys to successful transition, the role of the school in transition planning and things to consider when planning your child’s transition to adulthood.

Please join us for our November Family Learning Session on Tuesday, November 17th, offered at 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. Choose the time that works best for you.

This month’s topic is, “What Resources Are Available for My Child and Our Family?” We are excited to welcome presenters from a Center for Independent Living (CIL) and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). They will share information about resources and services available to support your child and your family.

The attached flyer includes QR codes that you can scan to access the meetings. You may also join using the links below:

12:00 p.m. Session:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1654168551

5:30 p.m. Session:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1658029304

Your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than a document; it is a roadmap designed to support their individual learning needs and educational goals.

Progress monitoring helps answer three important questions:

1. What skill(s) is my child learning?
2. How much progress is my child making toward their IEP goals?
3. Are the current strategies and supports helping my child succeed?

Remember: Progress is not always measured by grades alone. Your child's IEP goals identify specific skills the educational team is working to develop.

Tips for Families:

• Ask questions if you need to!

• Your child’s Case Manager or IST can discuss the Goal Monitoring Report and your child’s

progress with you at any time. Progress is also reviewed at IEP Meeting.

Your should have received your child’s First Progress Reports on Goals and Objectives in October.

Growth happens in many ways. Sometimes progress is mastering a new academic skill. Other times, it is asking for help independently, completing a task, communicating more confidently, or trying something challenging.

Try these three strategies at home:

Notice the Growth. Celebrate improvements in effort, independence, communication, and learning.

Ask About Progress. Talk with your child's teacher about the skills your child is developing and what the data shows.

Build on Success. Ask which strategies used at school can be reinforced naturally through everyday activities at home.

Small steps today can lead to meaningful accomplishments tomorrow.

Progress monitoring is the ongoing process of collecting and reviewing information to determine how a student is progressing toward specific learning goals. For students receiving special education services, progress monitoring helps the IEP team evaluate student growth and determine whether instructional approaches and supports are effective.

ASK YOUR IEP TEAM Staying informed about your child's progress helps strengthen collaboration between home and school.

Consider asking:

1. Which IEP goals is my child making the most progress toward?
2. What information or data is being used to measure progress?
3. What strategies are helping my child succeed?
4. Are there areas where my child may need additional support?
5. How can I reinforce important skills at home?

The Weekly Progress Check-In

Set aside a few minutes each week to connect with your child about their learning.

Ask:

What is something new you learned this week?

What is something you can do now that was difficult before?

What is one thing you want to keep practicing?

These simple conversations help children recognize their accomplishments, develop self-awareness, and build confidence.

Upcoming Events

SEC Parent Advisory Panel : This panel provides a meaningful way for families to share ideas, feedback, and experiences that help shape our programs and initiatives.

Use the QR Code or click the link to join us!

Parent Advisory Panel Link : https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/u9Ek1ur8rY

• SPEDTALKS — Coming Soon!

• Parent to Parent of Georgia — Source of Choice for Support

To register for this event please visit the following URL: https://airtable.com/appqvmuUocz4VFMHw/shr1I3gwIYRZCAFYk →

Building Momentum: Supporting the Whole Child: Behavior, Wellness & Success

Together, we support every student’s path toward success.

Questions about your child’s individual program should begin with your child’s teacher, case manager, or school-based special education team.

Fulton County Schools

Services for Exceptional Children
Phone: 470-254-0400
Website: Services for Exceptional Children

Follow Us: FCS_SEC