BY DORCA CASSEUS
The next part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) we will discuss is the Present Level of Performance (PLOP). I consider this part of the IEP “the meat”! Here you will find an in-depth description of your child’s abilities and needs. The PLOP is completed by the IEP team, including the teachers, the district representative and even you as the parent. During the IEP meeting, the team will want to hear from you about your child’s present or current abilities. They will include these details in the PLOP. Let’s take a look at each part of the PLOP:
Ø Evaluation Results: In this section of the PLOP you will find the evaluation results. The teachers may also include the scores from recent classroom or school-wide assessments here.
Ø Academic Achievement: This section details your child’s present academic performance. The teachers will include details for each subject such as reading, writing and math.
Ø Physical Development: This portion of the PLOP will detail your child’s physical development. If they qualify for occupational therapy or physical therapy, updates from the therapist will be included here. Also, if your child has any medical needs, takes medication, or has a medical diagnosis that information will be included here.
Ø Management Needs: This section is very important, as it states what your child needs in the classroom in order to be successful. This may include, environmental modifications such as preferential seating, material resources such as a hearing aid and/or human resources such as one on one assistance.
Below you will see a blank IEP to give you an idea of what it looks like:
The PLOP is a very important part of the IEP. The information in this section will determine your child’s goals. Each member of the IEP team, including you as the parent, need to be on the same page on your child’s present academic abilities. Only with this detailed and clear information can appropriate goals be created. Be sure to be an active participant as the team discusses the PLOP. Ask questions when you don’t understand something or when you need more details. And as always, share what you know about your child, because you know him/her the best.