Present Levels of Performance: Why it Matters in Your Child’s IEP
When it comes to creating an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP), one crucial component is the Present Levels of Performance (PLOP). This section lays the foundation for the entire IEP by providing a comprehensive snapshot of your child’s current abilities and needs. At ConnectEd Advocates, we understand the significance of PLOP and are here to guide you through its purpose, challenges, and value.
WHAT IS THE PRESENT LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE (P.L.O.P.)?
The Present Levels of Performance is a detailed summary of your child’s academic and functional performance. It covers what your child can do now and where they are struggling, based on recent evaluations and observations. The PLOP includes:
Academic Performance: Details about your child's proficiency in reading, math, writing, and other core subjects.
Functional Performance: Information on daily living skills, social interactions, communication abilities, and behavior.
Strengths and Needs: An assessment of what your child excels in and areas where they require additional support.
WHY IS P.L.O.P. IMPORTANT?
Establishes a Baseline: The PLOP provides a starting point for setting realistic and measurable goals. It helps ensure that the IEP is tailored to your child’s unique needs and abilities.
Informs Goal Setting: By understanding where your child currently stands, the IEP team can develop goals that are both challenging and achievable. These goals are designed to address specific areas of need and leverage your child’s strengths.
Guides Instructional Strategies: Knowledge of your child’s current performance helps educators implement appropriate teaching strategies and accommodations to support their learning effectively.
CHALLENGES WITH P.L.O.P.
While the PLOP is essential, several challenges can arise:
Inconsistent Data: Sometimes, the data used to create the PLOP may be inconsistent or outdated. It’s crucial to ensure that the information reflects your child's current abilities and needs accurately.
Misinterpretation: There can be a risk of misinterpreting the data. A detailed understanding of the PLOP is necessary to avoid setting goals that are either too ambitious or too lenient.
Lack of Parent Input: Parents are a vital part of the IEP team, yet their insights and observations are sometimes overlooked. It’s important that your perspective is considered to ensure the PLOP truly reflects your child’s performance.
THE VALUE OF A WELL-DEVELOPED P.LO.P.
Ensures Comprehensive Planning: A well-crafted PLOP helps create a well-rounded IEP that addresses all aspects of your child's education and development, not just academic performance.
Promotes Effective Advocacy: With a clear understanding of the PLOP, parents and advocates can better advocate for necessary supports and services. This clarity helps in negotiating with the school team and ensuring that the IEP reflects your child's true needs.
Enhances Collaboration: A thorough PLOP fosters better collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists. It creates a shared understanding of the child’s needs and helps align efforts to support their growth.
UPDATING THE PRESENT LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE
The Present Levels of Performance (PLOP) is not a static component; it should be updated regularly to reflect your child’s evolving needs and progress. The PLOP is initially developed during the creation of the IEP and is reviewed at least annually during IEP meetings. However, it is important to keep the PLOP current and relevant by updating it in various scenarios:
Initial Draft: The PLOP is first established during the creation of the initial IEP, based on comprehensive assessments and observations.
Addendums: If there are significant changes in your child's performance or needs that occur between scheduled reviews, an addendum can be used to update the PLOP.
IEP Reviews: During the annual IEP review, the PLOP should be revisited to ensure it accurately reflects your child's progress and areas requiring continued support.
Emergency Meetings: If there is an immediate concern about your child's performance or well-being, an emergency meeting can be convened to update the PLOP and adjust the IEP as necessary.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Reviews: When a BIP is in place, the PLOP should be updated to reflect any changes in behavior and the effectiveness of the intervention strategies.
Regular updates to the PLOP ensure that the IEP remains a dynamic tool that accurately supports your child's educational journey and addresses their current needs effectively.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE PRESENT LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE
One of the most crucial aspects of the IEP process is the involvement of parents in the development of the Present Levels of Performance (PLOP). While school staff typically draft the initial PLOP based on assessments and observations, parents have a significant role to play in shaping this component of the IEP. Parental rights and involvement may include:
Discussion and Input: Parents have the right to review and discuss the PLOP with the IEP team. This collaboration ensures that the PLOP accurately reflects not only the data collected by the school but also the parent’s observations and insights about their child’s performance and needs.
Adding Information: If parents feel that certain aspects of their child’s performance or behavior are not adequately represented in the PLOP, they can request additions. This could include observations about home-based skills, social interactions, or any recent changes that might impact the child’s educational experience.
Requesting Changes: Parents can also suggest modifications or removals from the PLOP if they believe that certain elements are no longer relevant or if new needs have emerged. The IEP team must consider these suggestions and discuss them to reach a consensus that ensures the PLOP remains comprehensive and accurate.
Formal Review: Any disagreements or concerns about the PLOP that cannot be resolved through discussion can be addressed through formal dispute resolution processes. This may include mediation or a due process hearing if necessary.
Active parent involvement is crucial in ensuring that the PLOP provides a true and holistic picture of the child's performance and needs. At ConnectEd Advocates, we are committed to supporting parents in their role and ensuring that their voices are heard in the IEP process. If you need assistance with reviewing or discussing the PLOP, our team is here to help guide and advocate for your child’s best interests.
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