Which components are essential to include in Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements?

• A. Current level of performance, strengths, needs, baseline data, and how deficits affect functional performance across settings, plus a linkage to impact on goals and services.
• B. Only academic grades.
• C. Only behavior data.
• D. Only placement.

Answer: (A)

Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance should paint a clear, data-driven picture of where a student currently stands in both academics and daily living skills. The strongest PLAAFP statements include the current level of performance, the student’s strengths, identified needs, and baseline data, all described in a way that shows how any deficits affect functioning across settings—classroom, other school activities, and home or community contexts. It’s essential that this presentation also links what is observed to the supports, services, and goals that the IEP will address, so progress can be planned and measured.

That’s why a complete PLAAFP goes beyond just grades, or just behavior data, or just placement. Grades capture performance at a moment in time but don’t tell the full story of how the student participates or what supports are needed. Behavior data may indicate patterns but doesn’t fully describe academic or functional skills. Placement tells where services occur but not the student’s current abilities or needs. The best PLAAFP integrates multiple sources of data to describe current performance comprehensively, demonstrates the impact on participation across settings, and connects directly to goals and services.