How is the effectiveness of IEPs generally evaluated?

The effectiveness of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is primarily evaluated by measuring the progress toward the specific educational goals set for each student. This process involves regularly assessing whether the student is meeting the benchmarks established in the IEP, which are tailored to their unique needs and abilities.

Progress monitoring is a critical element of the IEP process, allowing educators and parents to determine how well a student is responding to the educational interventions specified in the IEP. This evaluation may include standardized tests, observations, and other assessments that contribute to understanding the student's strengths and areas requiring further support.

While state assessments, comparisons with national standards, and parental feedback all play roles in the broader context of special education, they do not directly reflect the tailored measures of an individual student's progress set forth in their IEP. The emphasis on specific goals and individualized measurements is what makes option B the correct choice in evaluating the effectiveness of IEPs.