PLAAFP
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Big Ideas
The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statement is the foundation of a standards-aligned IEP for a student with a disability. The PLAAFP statement describes the abilities, performance, strengths, and unique needs of the learner. The statement is developed using a variety of information and data, including formal assessments, curriculum-based measures, work samples, observations, and input from educators and family members. Information on the student’s performance relative to grade-level academic content standards and age-appropriate expectations in functional areas like communication, social interaction, self-management, and independence is included. For preschool students, the PLAAFP describes the child’s active engagement in routines and activities and development in the three child outcome areas. The PLAAFP provides the informational basis for generating the standards-aligned goals, objectives, supports, accommodations, and services that comprise the student’s specially designed instruction. In conclusion, a comprehensive and accurate PLAAFP supports the development of an effective standards-aligned IEP and specially designed instruction that accelerates the trajectory of student growth and narrows the achievement gap.
Impact
Just as the foundation is critical in building a house, the PLAAFP is essential for building an effective standards-aligned IEP. A strong foundation supports the stability of the house. Accordingly, a high quality PLAAFP supports the development of appropriate, measurable standards-aligned goals and objectives that meet the needs of individual students and support their progress towards mastering grade-level standards and age-appropriate functional expectations. The process of generating a high quality PLAAFP offers all stakeholders an opportunity to share information and input on the development of the blueprint for the standards-aligned IEP.
