Present Level of Performance : Better IEP PLOP Examples
Present Level of Performance Examples for Writing this IEP Section
As you are writing your child’s Present Level of Performance (PLOP) statement, have you considered your child’s learning strengths? Schools often overlook strengths in favor of disabilities. However, learning strengths are just as important! They help guide how your child SHOULD be taught through what’s easier for your child.
The Present Level of Performance Examples below will help you write a great PLOP section in your child’s IEP! But if you’re unsure about what to even put in the PLOP section, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out from scratch. This page walks you through exactly what a Present Level of Performance statement needs to include.
As a quick aside, if you’d like a toolkit to make figuring out the PLOP section easier, we have created one just for you. you can get our From Confused to Confident: The Learning Abled Kids IEP PLOP Writing Guide here. It has templates, checklists, examples & more — for just $7. You can download it instantly & Use it again and again for a more stress-free IEP experience.
But if you just want to learn what’s on this page, the toolkit isn’t essential. It just makes things easier because of the step-by-step checklists. Everything you need to get started for free is here on this page.
Let’s Get Started Writing the IEP PLOP
PLOP statements are sometimes called the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statement. As you read the present level of performance examples, remember documents which show your child’s current level of function are worth putting in with the PLOP statement.
Are your child’s strengths, current scores, and other indicators of your child’s PLOP documented in your child’s IEP?
Have you documented everything you think is important?
When Writing your child’s Present Level of Performance (PLOP), begin with your child’s “Can Do” abilities. By noting your child’s strengths, it will help you determine if they’re making progress. You’ll also be better able to see what services will support your child in their learning.
How to write present level of performance examples
1) Describe Your child’s learning strengths.
- Is your child a visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic learner?
- Does your child have abilities in subjects such as science, social studies, reading, writing, mathematics, social skills, and logic?
- Will your child’s learning strengths create better learning by using alternative teaching methods?
- Also mention any ability your child has, because those skills can be the keys for teaching your child.
2) Describe your child’s weaknesses.
- Include aspects of the classroom environment which interfere with your child’s learning.
- Provide specific information about activities your child has difficulty performing or completing.
- Standardized test results can provide accurate information regarding your child’s current level of ability.
3) Provide objective data from your child’s evaluation results.
- Document your child’s current level of academic achievement and capabilities in other areas.
- Wherever possible, use actual data, such as Standardized test Scores or percentile rankings.
- Use data to document your child’s present level of performance. Doing so will help keep everyone honest about progress.
4) Write a paragraph containing the information gathered in the prior steps. Write a statement documenting the ways your child’s strengths can help him learn and overcome his weaknesses.
Present Level of Performance Considerations:
Be certain to consider your child’s:
- Learning style.
- Attention strengths or deficits.
- Organization skills.
- Social skills.
- Creative thinking abilities.
- Logical reasoning.
- Physical abilities (fatigue, sensory issues, etc.).
Any of the areas listed can be strengths or weaknesses. When thinking of your child, consider all aspects your child’s development. That way, you can write the best PLOP statement possible.
Present Level of Performance Example #1
Sara is quiet in the classroom. Her visual memory and visual processing scores are above average, so she learns easily through pictures and images. She is ahead of her peers in science and social studies, as well as in writing and reading.
Sara’s standardized reading composite test score is at the 73rd percentile. Her writing composite is at the 69th percentile. Sara struggles with math. Her standardized scores for math computation are at the 12th percentile. Her math reasoning scores are at the 18th percentile.
Sara requires a lot of support to stay on task, especially to complete her math problems. She does better when she is provided a number-line or calculator. Sara’s mom reports that Sara frequently cries about completing her math homework. It also takes Sara more than an hour to complete one worksheet. Otherwise, Sara is happy, and seems eager to please her teachers by doing her best work.
Present Level of Performance Example #2
Johnny loves math and science. His standardized test scores in math are in the superior range for all subtests. His reading and writing standardized test scores are in the above average range, but his classroom performance varies greatly. Johnny is a quick thinker. He is fast with his work, and he is eager to share his knowledge with his classmates. Johnny is very active and energetic. Johnny also loves completing hands-on projects in the classroom and at home.
With his quick work ability and high energy, Johnny has a difficult time sitting in a desk for a long period of time. If he can get up and move around, then he is able to complete his work. If Johnny sits for a long time, then he has difficulty with his focus on a book or worksheet. Johnny easily completes the work when he can stand by his desk or at a table at the back of the room.
Present Level of Performance Wrap-Up
SO, with those Present Level of Performance Examples, practice writing a Present Level of Performance statement for your child. Grab your notebook, look at your child’s strengths, and consider her struggles.
Write some Present Level of Performance Examples for your child too. The Present Level of Performance Examples you write can be incorporated into your child’s next IEP. Classroom teachers will want to add their observations, and you’ll also need to add test scores.
Remember your input is critical for helping your child’s school develop a full understanding of how your child learns. Therefore, writing out your own Present Level of Performance Examples for your child will help you find the best ways to provide your child with a positive educational experience!
Want more help writing a PLOP statement that truly represents your child?
Now that you understand what goes into a strong Present Level of Performance statement, let us help you make the writing process faster and less stressful.
The From Confused to Confident: The Learning Abled Kids IEP PLOP Writing Guide gives you everything in one organized, beautifully designed resource:
- Fill-in-the-blank PLOP writing templates you can use immediately
- A complete checklist of what every strong PLOP statement ought to include
- A strengths and challenges observation worksheet to help you gather your child’s information before the meeting
- Expanded PLOP examples across multiple learning profiles — dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders, and more
- A one-page “Questions to Ask Your School” reference sheet
Whether you’re a parent preparing for your first IEP meeting or a seasoned advocate looking for better tools, this guide will help you walk in confident, prepared, and ready to speak up for your child.
Buy the PLOP Writing Guide now for just $7 → Instant access. Yours to keep and use again and again. You can buy it here, and it will help guide you through making your child’s IEP PLOP section work better for your child!
For additional information, check out Wright’s Law’s Smart IEPs PDF.
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