The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) section of your child’s IEP is more than just a summary of test scores and observations. It’s the foundation for setting actionable goals and interventions that directly impact your child’s education. But how do you know if the PLAAFP is truly actionable? Let’s break down how raw test scores and data points are transformed into goals and interventions, and what you should be looking for to ensure the PLAAFP is useful.
What Makes a PLAAFP Actionable?
The purpose of the PLAAFP is to give a snapshot of where your child currently stands in relation to grade-level expectations and functional needs. An actionable PLAAFP doesn’t just describe challenges; it connects them to specific, measurable areas of need.
Key elements of an actionable PLAAFP:
- Clear data points: Does the PLAAFP include concrete examples, like scores from standardized assessments or performance on classroom tasks?
- Functionality: Does it tie academic and functional needs to daily classroom and school environments?
- Relevance to goals: Is there a clear connection between the data and the goals and services that follow?
Transforming Raw Data into Goals and Interventions
Once test scores and performance data are collected, they need to be transformed into a plan that helps your child succeed. Here’s how that transformation happens:
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Step 1: Identify the gap
Compare your child’s current performance to grade-level expectations. For example, if your child scores below average in reading comprehension, the PLAAFP should state how far behind they are compared to grade-level peers. -
Step 2: Prioritize needs
The PLAAFP should identify which areas are the most critical for your child’s success. It’s not enough to list weaknesses—focus on the ones that directly impact your child’s access to learning. For instance, if behavior impedes learning, it should be highlighted in the PLAAFP with data supporting the claim. -
Step 3: Set measurable goals
The data provided in the PLAAFP should directly lead to measurable goals. If your child struggles with social interaction, the goal might be, “By the end of the year, Haley will initiate a conversation with a peer at least twice during group activities.” This shows a clear path from current performance to desired outcomes.
Evaluating the Quality of Your Child’s PLAAFP
It’s important to review the PLAAFP critically to ensure it’s setting your child up for success. Here’s a checklist you can use to evaluate its actionability:
- Does it provide specific data points (e.g., test scores, classroom observations)?
- Is there a clear connection between the identified needs and the proposed goals?
- Are the interventions and supports described clearly enough to understand how they’ll help?
- Does it address both academic and functional areas?
- Are the goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)?
Final Thoughts
A strong, actionable PLAAFP lays the groundwork for your child’s progress. By understanding how test scores and data transform into targeted goals, you can better advocate for a PLAAFP that’s designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and ensure the data in the PLAAFP leads to clear, actionable outcomes.
More from the PLAAFP guide:
What is the PLAAFP?: Discover how the PLAAFP summarizes your child’s current abilities and needs based on assessments and observations.
Role of Testing in the PLAAFP: Learn how standardized tests and other assessments provide a snapshot of your child’s strengths and challenges.
Data in the PLAAFP: Explore the various ways data is gathered, from teacher observations to parent input, and how it supports the PLAAFP.
Review for Quality: Tips on how to review and question the data to ensure it truly reflects your child’s needs and abilities.
