IEP Present Levels (PLAAFP) in Alaska
What should present levels include in a Alaska IEP?
Alaska requires that each IEP include a statement of the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), as implemented through 4 AAC 52.540(b)(1). The PLAAFP must describe how the disability affects the student's involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or for preschool children, how the disability affects participation in appropriate activities. Present levels must be grounded in evaluation data gathered through a variety of tools and strategies under 4 AAC 52.520; no single measure may be the sole criterion. Alaska's Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) provides guidance that present levels should be measurable and data-based, serving as the foundation for all annual goals. Parent input and concerns regarding the student's education must be considered during IEP development (4 AAC 52.540(c)). For Alaska Native students, the IEP team should consider cultural and linguistic factors when establishing present levels, particularly in rural and remote communities where assessment access may be limited.
What Alaska Requires
Present levels must describe how the disability affects involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or participation in appropriate activities for preschool students (4 AAC 52.540(b)(1); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(1)).
Present levels must be based on evaluation data using a variety of tools and strategies; no single assessment may be the sole criterion for placement decisions (4 AAC 52.520(b)).
For Alaska Native and rural students, the IEP team must consider cultural and linguistic factors when interpreting assessment data and establishing present levels (4 AAC 52.520(d)).
Parent input and concerns regarding their child's education must be considered and documented during IEP development (4 AAC 52.540(c)).
Annual goals must flow directly from the present levels, addressing all identified needs resulting from the disability (4 AAC 52.540(b)(2)).
Key Timelines
Present levels must be updated at each annual IEP review with current data (4 AAC 52.540(d)).
Reevaluation data refreshing present levels must occur at least every three years, unless the parent and district agree otherwise (4 AAC 52.520(e); 34 CFR 300.303).
Evaluation reports must be completed within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent for evaluation (4 AAC 52.510(b)).