Summary of Performance and Evaluation

State Guidance, Child Find, Evaluation

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What is the Summary of Performance (SOP) and its purpose?

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE refers to a document that is intended to be a useful resource for students to communicate their strengths and disability-related needs in postsecondary settings, such as employment or higher education. It must include a summary of the student’s academic achievement and functional performance, as well as recommendations about ways to help the student achieve post-secondary goals. It must consider, as appropriate, the views of the parent and student, as well as written recommendations from adult service agencies on how to assist the student in achieving post-secondary goals.
The SOP should include information about accommodations that have been necessary and/or helpful to the student in performing academic and functional tasks. The overriding purpose of the SOP is to facilitate the student’s postsecondary transition success.
 

The SOP includes information about:

Infographic showing three components with an arrow labeled "Recommendations to assist in meeting post-secondary goals": Current Academic Achievement (illustrated by a child holding a report card), Current Functional Performance (illustrated by a child at a desk raising their hand), and Post-Secondary Goals (illustrated by a person in a graduation cap and gown).

The SOP must consider, as appropriate:

Illustration of a father, mother, and child, with speech bubbles reading "The views of the student's parents" and "The views of the student," alongside a note that written recommendations from adult service agencies about how to assist the student in meeting post-secondary goals are also included.
Decorative image of an orange question mark within a circle.

 

Which students must have an SOP?

Completion of the SOP is a legal requirement for all students receiving special education services who are graduating or are exiting public school due to age

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When must an evaluation be included in the SOP?

While a current evaluation may be considered for any student who is graduating, an evaluation must be included as part of the SOP for students graduating through the Foundation High School Program with adaptations that are beyond what is otherwise allowable for all students (e.g., a student who receives modified curriculum in one or more courses required for graduation). To confirm whether an evaluation as described in CFR 300.305(e)(1) is required to be included in the SOP for a student, refer to TAC §89.1070 (f).

Decorative image of an orange question mark within a circle.
Is the LEA required to conduct a new evaluation as a part of the SOP?

The ARD committee will determine if a student’s evaluation is current and, if it is, is not required to complete another evaluation. The current evaluation will be one of the sources of data utilized in writing the SOP. However, an evaluation must be included as part of the SOP for a student who receives modified curriculum in one or more courses required for graduation.

BEST PRACTICE TIP

  • Ensure the student’s active participation during the transition process. The SOP is most useful when completed with student engagement.
  • Be specific in describing how accommodations have helped the student’s functioning in relevant settings.
  • Include the most current information about the student’s abilities and aspirations.
  • Ensure that the student receives a copy of their current evaluation with the SOP and understands the information.
  • Encourage the student to “own” the SOP to facilitate self-advocacy.
Tips for Working with Families:
  • Ensure families have a meaningful opportunity to provide information about their student.
  • Encourage families to maintain a copy of the SOP for future educational and employment settings.

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