A Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance statement should include which elements?

• A. Current strengths and weaknesses, baseline data across academic and functional domains, and progress toward prior and upcoming goals.
• B. Only current grades.
• C. Only parent's preferences.
• D. School facilities.

Answer: (A)

Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance should describe where a student currently stands in both academic skills and daily functioning, using data from multiple sources such as assessments, classroom work, and observations. The strongest answer includes three essential elements: current strengths and weaknesses, baseline data across academic and functional domains, and evidence of progress toward prior and upcoming goals. This data-driven snapshot shows what the student can do, where there are gaps, and how they have progressed over time, which then informs what supports, accommodations, and goals are needed in the IEP. It also captures how the student participates in the general education curriculum and what functional skills may affect learning or independence.

Why the other options don’t fit: focusing only on current grades misses the broader picture of strengths, weaknesses, and functional performance; relying solely on parents’ preferences isn’t based on objective data or performance across domains; and mentioning school facilities has no bearing on the student’s present performance or needed supports.