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• Inconsistent Data: Sometimes, the data used to create the PLOP may be inconsistent or outdated.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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For personalized support, visit our services page or send us an inquiry or request your FREE CONSULTATION. Let’s work together to advocate for the best outcomes for your child.

Understanding Reevaluations: What to Expect and How It Can Affect Your Child’s Services

As a parent of a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you’re likely familiar with the regular meetings and updates that come with ensuring your child receives the support they need. However, one aspect that often raises questions is the 3-year reevaluation, or what happens if your child’s team believes a reevaluation is necessary before this period. At ConnectEd Advocates, we’re here to help you understand why reevaluations occur, what the process entails, and how it can impact your child’s IEP.

WHY DOES A 3-YEAR REEVALUATION HAPPEN?

The 3-year reevaluation, also known as a triennial evaluation, is a crucial checkpoint in your child’s special education journey. It’s required by law to ensure that your child’s needs are being accurately identified and that their IEP is providing the appropriate services and accommodations.

During this reevaluation, the IEP team, which includes you as the parent, assesses whether your child continues to meet the eligibility criteria for special education services. The team also evaluates whether the current IEP is effectively supporting your child’s educational progress. It’s an opportunity to review your child’s growth, address any new challenges, and make necessary adjustments to their educational plan.

WHAT IF THE TEAM BELIEVES A REEVALUATION IS NEEDED SOONER?

In some cases, the IEP team may determine that a reevaluation is needed before the 3-year mark. This can happen if there are significant changes in your child’s performance, behavior, or needs that suggest the current IEP may no longer be adequate. For example, if your child experiences a notable decline in academic performance, an increase in behavioral issues, or a change in diagnosis, the team may recommend an earlier reevaluation.

You, as a parent, also have the right to request a reevaluation if you believe your child’s needs have changed. This ensures that the IEP remains aligned with your child’s current situation, providing them with the most effective support.

WHAT DOES THE REEVALUATION PROCESS INVOLVE?

The reevaluation process is similar to the initial evaluation that led to the creation of your child’s IEP. It involves gathering updated information about your child’s abilities, challenges, and progress. This can include a variety of assessments, such as academic testing, psychological evaluations, and observations from teachers and other professionals.

The IEP team will review all the gathered data, considering your child’s strengths and areas of need. They’ll also seek input from you as the parent, since your insights are invaluable in understanding how your child is doing both in and out of school.

Once the evaluation is complete, the IEP team will meet to discuss the results and determine whether any changes to your child’s IEP are necessary. This could involve adding or removing services, modifying goals, or updating accommodations to better suit your child’s current needs.

HOW CAN A REEVALUATION AFFECT YOUR CHILD’S IEP?

The outcome of a reevaluation can have a significant impact on your child’s IEP. Depending on the findings, the IEP may be revised to better address your child’s evolving needs. Here are some ways a reevaluation might affect your child’s educational plan:

• Adjustment of Goals: The reevaluation might reveal that your child has made significant progress in certain areas, allowing the team to set new, more challenging goals. Alternatively, it might highlight areas where more support is needed, leading to the introduction of new goals.

• Changes in Services: Based on the evaluation results, the IEP team might decide that your child requires additional services, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy. Conversely, if your child has outgrown certain services, they might be reduced or discontinued.

• Updated Accommodations: As your child grows and their needs change, the accommodations they receive in the classroom might need to be adjusted. For example, they might need different types of support for testing, note-taking, or behavior management.

• Eligibility Reassessment: In some cases, the reevaluation might lead to a reassessment of your child’s eligibility for special education services. If the evaluation shows that your child no longer meets the criteria for their current eligibility category, the team might explore other areas of need or discuss transitioning out of certain services.

NAVIGATING THE REEVALUATION WITH SUPPORT

Reevaluations can be a pivotal moment in your child’s educational journey, offering an opportunity to ensure their IEP is as effective as possible. However, the process can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to interpreting the evaluation data and advocating for your child’s needs.

At ConnectEd Advocates, we understand the complexities of special education and are here to support you every step of the way. Whether your child is approaching their 3-year reevaluation or you’re considering an early reevaluation, our team can help you prepare, participate in meetings, and ensure that your child’s IEP continues to provide the support they need to thrive.

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Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist you with reevaluations and all aspects of the IEP process. With the right guidance and advocacy, you can make informed decisions that keep your child on the path to success. Reserve your FREE CONSULTATION today!