What are Present Level Assessments?

Present Level Assessments™ (PLAs) are assessment tools that are created to measure both speech and language skills, as well as give you the ability to complete classroom observations in an efficient and comprehensive manner. The language PLAs are leveled by grade band (Preschool, Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12). The articulation PLAs have an option for either preschool, which focuses on early developing sounds, or school-aged, which focuses on later developing sounds. Currently, there are two versions of the language PLAs for KG, 1-2, and 3-5 grade bands, and one version for the preschool, 6-8, and 9-12 grade bands. Information has been vetted with current research (developmental standards, academic standards, and critical language skills needed for academic tasks) and used with typical students for reliability. When working in PLAs, information is autosaved by the app.

To create a PLA, you must first be sure your student is created. Next, select that student's name on the 'Students' screen.

Click 'Assess Student' next to 'Assessment' to see a library of all tests. You can scroll to view all tests, or use the 'search' option to further refine your view.

To revisit a PLA that is active (to view data or continue administration of the test), simply click the name of the PLA. When you are ready to move the PLA off of your active list, click the 'Actions' button next to the name of the test and you will have the choice to archive the test to save for later or delete it and all of its data.

To view a summary of test results, click the 'Actions' button next to the name of the test and select 'Print.' At the top of the results, you will see the summary of communication strengths and needs. Needs are defined as any area where the student scored 3/5 or less.

PLAs are not standardized or norm referenced measures and are not intended for eligibility purposes. Rather, they are designed to be an efficient way to determine a student’s strengths and needs for development of present levels in Individualized Education Programs. In addition, they can be used for initial screening referrals for students not currently in special education to help guide strategic pre-referral interventions prior to evaluation. PLAs guide your clinical judgment. They do not replace it.