IEP Present Levels (PLAAFP) in Hawaii
What should present levels include in a Hawaii IEP?
Hawaii IEPs must include a statement of the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), implemented through HAR § 8-56-28(b)(1). The PLAAFP must describe how the disability affects the student's involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or for preschool students, participation in appropriate activities. Because Hawaii is a single statewide district, present level data is collected through HIDOE's standardized assessment tools and evaluation procedures. Present levels must be grounded in the comprehensive evaluation required under HAR § 8-56-14 through 8-56-20, which mandates a variety of assessment tools, prohibition of reliance on any single measure, and use of information from parents. The PLAAFP forms the direct basis for annual goals and the entire IEP, and must reflect the student's unique strengths and areas of need. Parent input is a required element of the IEP development process.
What Hawaii Requires
Present levels must describe how the disability affects involvement and progress in the general curriculum, or participation in appropriate activities for preschool students (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(1); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(1)).
Present levels must be based on evaluation data gathered through a variety of tools and strategies; no single assessment may serve as the sole basis (HAR § 8-56-14; 34 CFR 300.304(b)).
Evaluation data must be collected in the student's native language or other mode of communication and must be technically sound (HAR § 8-56-14(b); 34 CFR 300.304(c)).
Parent input and concerns regarding their child's education must be considered during IEP development (HAR § 8-56-28(c)(2); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(1)(ii)).
Present levels must be updated at each annual IEP review and whenever a reevaluation provides new data (HAR § 8-56-32; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).
Key Timelines
Present levels must be updated at each annual IEP review (HAR § 8-56-32).
Reevaluation data refreshing present levels must occur at least every three years (HAR § 8-56-20; 34 CFR 300.303).
Evaluation reports providing the foundation for present levels must be completed within Hawaii's 60-calendar-day evaluation timeline from consent (HAR § 8-56-16).