IEP Present Levels (PLAAFP) in Connecticut
What should present levels include in a Connecticut IEP?
Connecticut requires that each IEP developed by the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) include a statement of the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) consistent with Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11 and federal law. The PLAAFP must describe how the disability affects the student's involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or for preschool children, participation in appropriate activities. Present levels must be grounded in comprehensive evaluation data gathered by the PPT's multidisciplinary team under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10, which requires evaluation in all areas of suspected disability using a variety of tools and strategies. Connecticut's evaluation regulations require that no single measure serve as the sole eligibility criterion, and that assessments be culturally and linguistically appropriate. The PPT must document and consider parent concerns as part of the present levels process (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11). Annual goals and services must flow directly from the documented present levels. Connecticut's CSDE IEP form includes a specific section for documenting strengths and the parent's vision for the student's future, which informs present levels.
What Connecticut Requires
Present levels must describe how the disability affects involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or participation in appropriate activities for preschool students (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(1)).
Present levels must be based on comprehensive evaluation data gathered through a variety of tools and strategies; no single procedure may be the sole criterion (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10).
The PPT must consider and document parent concerns regarding the student's education as part of the present levels development process (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-11; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d).
Evaluation reports must document present levels of educational performance and educational needs, forming the foundation for the IEP (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10).
Assessments must be selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis, and must be provided in the student's native language (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.304(c)).
Key Timelines
Present levels must be updated at each annual PPT review (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-12).
Reevaluation data refreshing present levels must occur at least every three years or sooner when conditions warrant (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10).
Evaluation reports providing the basis for present levels must be completed within Connecticut's evaluation timeline — 45 school days from referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13).