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Developing Your Child's IEP
Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance

Question 2. Where Does the IEP Team Get Information for Present Levels in the IEP?

Answer

Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance are based on data from objective assessments.

The IEP team must collect baseline data that describes your child's present levels of performance and serves as the starting point for developing goals. The team uses this data to write measurable IEP goals that will allow you and the school to monitor your child's progress.

Other sources of information my be informal assessments and observations by parents and teachers.

If your child has earlier IEPs, his progress toward goals in the prior IEPs should be reviewed.

Parent input for the present levels is essential. As a parent, you observe your child and have important information about his strengths and needs. You know how your child functions at home, in the community, when doing homework, at work, and in the real world.

Your child's teachers and related service providers collect data about how your child functions in school settings.

Legal Resources

Wrightslaw: All About IEPs Chapter 4 - Present Levels, Measurable Goals, Services

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Edition

IDEA

20 U.S.C.§ 1414(d)(1)(A)(I)

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Edition, p. 142, footnote 169

IDEA

20 U.S.C.§ 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(I)

IDEA Regulations

34 C.F.R. §300.320(a)(1)

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Edition, p. 287

Additional Resources

Present Levels: The Foundation of the IEP

Present Levels of Functional Performance and Functional Goals in IEPs

How to Determine Measurable IEP Goals (National Association of Special Education Teachers)

Wrightslaw Game Plan: Writing SMART IEPs

State Special Education Regulations and Guidelines. You will find your state regulations at your State Department of Education website. Use the Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities to locate your state site.

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