Planning for a Strong Start in the New Year: Parent Advocacy Goals

Introduction

The new year brings fresh opportunities—not just for personal resolutions, but also for strengthening your role as your child’s advocate. Whether your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, setting intentional advocacy goals can help you approach the next semester prepared, confident, and focused on your child’s success.

This blog provides a roadmap for parents to plan ahead, address unmet needs, and build strong collaboration with schools in 2026.

Why Advocacy Goals Matter

When parents set clear goals:

• Schools are more likely to communicate openly and consistently

• Progress and accommodations are tracked more accurately

• Children receive timely support adjustments, preventing setbacks

• Advocacy feels organized and proactive, not reactive or overwhelming

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Advocacy Goals

✅ 1. Reflect on the Previous Semester

Start by reviewing:

• Your child’s progress reports and report cards

• Teacher communication and feedback

• Accommodations that were helpful versus unused or ineffective

• Any conflicts or misunderstandings with school staff

Ask yourself:
What went well, and what needs to change moving forward?

✅ 2. Identify Gaps in Support

Make a list of:

• Missed or inconsistent accommodations

• Services that weren’t delivered as planned

• Areas where your child is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally

These will form the foundation for goal-setting and upcoming meetings.

✅ 3. Create Clear, Actionable Goals

Examples include:

• “Ensure consistent use of extended test time in all subjects.”

• “Improve communication with teachers via weekly progress emails.”

• “Secure an updated evaluation for reading intervention services.”

• “Request a mid-year 504/IEP review meeting before February.”

Goals should be specific, measurable, and realistic.

✅ 4. Document and Organize Everything

• Keep a binder or digital folder with:

  • IEP/504 documents

  • Emails with teachers and school staff

  • Notes from meetings

  • Progress reports and test data

Having this information ready makes advocacy stronger and faster.

✅ 5. Plan Meetings Early

Don’t wait until problems arise:

• Request a 504/IEP team meeting early in the semester

• Ask for updated progress data

• Clarify roles and responsibilities with each teacher

Proactive meetings help avoid delays in support.

✅ 6. Prioritize Your Child’s Voice

When appropriate, include your child in advocacy:

• Encourage them to express what helps or frustrates them

• Practice self-advocacy phrases like:

  • “I need more time on this test.”

  • “Can I move to a quieter space?”

• Teach them that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

How Advocates Can Support These Goals

An educational advocate can:

• Help you set goals aligned with legal protections

• Draft strong written requests to schools

• Attend meetings and ensure your child’s needs are met

• Guide you through next steps if accommodations are denied or ignored

Key Takeaway

Starting the new year with a clear advocacy plan gives your child the best chance for success. Reflect, document, set actionable goals, and collaborate with the school team early—so your child begins the semester supported, understood, and ready to thrive.