IEP Present Levels (PLAAFP) in Washington
What should present levels include in a Washington IEP?
In Washington State, the present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) section is the cornerstone of the IEP. Under WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(a), the IEP must include a statement of the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including how the disability affects involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (or for preschoolers, how the disability affects participation in appropriate activities). Present levels must flow from evaluation data obtained through the comprehensive assessment procedures in WAC 392-172A-03020, which requires multifaceted assessment across all areas related to the suspected disability. The IEP team is directed under WAC 392-172A-03110 to consider the student's strengths, the concerns of parents for enhancing the student's education, results of the most recent evaluation, and academic, developmental, and functional needs. For students age 16 and older, present levels must incorporate results of age-appropriate transition assessments addressing postsecondary education, vocational training, employment, and independent living. All goals and services must be directly traceable to deficits and needs identified in the present levels statement. Present levels must also establish the basis for any Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) described in the IEP.
What Washington Requires
Present levels must describe how the disability affects involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(a)).
Present levels must be based on evaluation data including assessments across all areas of the suspected disability: health, vision, hearing, social/emotional status, intelligence, academic performance, communication, and motor abilities (WAC 392-172A-03020(2)).
The IEP team must consider the student's strengths, parent concerns, most recent evaluation results, and academic/developmental/functional needs when developing present levels (WAC 392-172A-03110(1)).
For transition-age students, present levels must incorporate results of age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)).
All measurable annual goals must flow directly from the present levels, addressing identified needs resulting from the disability (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(b)).
Key Timelines
Present levels must be updated at each annual IEP review with current data (WAC 392-172A-03110(2)).
Reevaluation of present levels occurs at least every three years or more frequently if conditions warrant or requested by parent or teacher (WAC 392-172A-03015(1)).
Initial evaluation must be completed within 35 school days of parental consent before present levels can be established (WAC 392-172A-03005).