If you have ever attended one of my workshops you know that I love to talk about PLAAFPs. Every IEP needs a strong foundation on which to build the student’s goals and objectives. The PLAAFP is that foundation, so it is critical for parents to read it carefully. 

            The PLAAFP should tell you how your child is doing based on the goals and objectives in the current IEP. The description of how the student is doing should be supported by measurable data. Let’s say your child has a math goal in the current IEP that says, “The student will add and subtract single digit numbers with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher made tests”. The PLAAFP should address this goal specifically with data to demonstrate exactly what your child can do.  It is not enough to say the student is progressing in math and leave it at that. The PLAAFP must include data to back that statement up. For example, the student can add and subtract single digit numbers with 85% accuracy across teacher quizzes, homework assignments and chapter tests. Now we have something we can sink our teeth into, and we know that the student has achieved that goal. 

            The PLAAFP tells us where to begin as we identify goals and objectives for the new IEP. It is the baseline that tells us where to start. Using the example above, we can determine what the next steps should be. It could be adding and subtracting multi digit numbers with regrouping and borrowing. The important point is that a well written PLAAFP becomes the foundation for determining new goals and objectives. 

            The PLAAFP should also tell us what types of supports, instructional methods or modifications have been implemented to enable the student to meet the goal. For example, the student can add and subtract single digit numbers with 85% accuracy across teacher quizzes, homework assignments and chapter tests. Initially the student relied on a number line to complete the problems but has progressed to completing them without supports and independently. 

            As you prepare for child’s next IEP meeting here are some steps to take:

1. Review your child’s current IEP and progress reports. Are the progress reports documenting progress toward achieving the goals and objectives?
2. Before the meeting email your case manager and ask for a draft copy of the IEP to review. The request should go like this: “In order to fully participate in the IEP meeting, please send me a draft of the proposed IEP to review before the meeting.”
3. When you get the draft IEP read it while asking these questions:
   1. Does the PLAAFP address all the goals and objectives in the current IEP?
   1. Does the PLAAFP provide measurable data to support how your child is performing and can be used as the baseline for developing new goals and objectives?
   1. Does the PLAAFP provide information about the student’s strengths, challenges, and supports?

Remember, after the IEP meeting you have 15 days to review the new IEP.  Pay special attention to the PLAAFP. You are a fully participating member of the Child Study Team. That means your input is as important as any other member of the team. Ask questions about your child’s progress. Ask for data so you can see how they are doing. If the PLAAFP doesn’t give you the information you need, don’t hesitate to say so and ask for it to be revised. You as a parent cannot fully participate in your child’s IEP process unless you fully understand where your child is functioning now.