In This Issue . . .

• Identifying SLD
• Catch Struggling Children Early
• Right to Request an Evaluation
• RTI Resources

Circulation: 74,510
ISSN: 1538-320

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a hot button issue in special education. Some experts endorse RTI, while others are less enthusiastic.

The success of RTI will depend on whether it is appropriately implemented by highly-trained professionals - and this is likely to be a problem.

When Congress reauthorized IDEA 2004, they changed the law about identifying children with specific learning disabilities.

In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate, you'll find the Parent Guide to Response to Intervention and specific questions parents should ask to ensure that their child will be accurately identified and is receiving appropriate instruction.

Please don't hesitate to forward this issue to other friends, families, or colleagues.

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Identifying Children with Specific Learning Disabilities

"RTI, if used as intended, can be a significant advance in special education.  If used incorrectly, RTI will prevent students who have true learning disabilities from receiving the specialized instruction they need.

The Parent's Guide to Response to Intervention was created by Susan Bruce, Regional Education Coordinator for PRO*Parents of South Carolina, Inc. The Guide explains the RTI process and what IDEA requires, parent concerns and important questions about RTI, and what RTI means for our kids.

Catch Struggling Children Early

The purpose of RTI is to:

• catch struggling children early
• provide appropriate instruction
• prevent the need to refer the child for special education

Early intervention means more chances for success and less need for special education services.  RTI would also address the needs of children who previously did not qualify for special education.

In an attempt by the US Department of Education to eliminate the wall that separates regular and special education, school districts may use 15% of IDEA funding for early intervention services in regular education - RTI.

RTI is a tiered process of instruction that allows schools to identify struggling students early and provide appropriate instructional interventions. Read more in the Parent's Guide to RTI.

RTI Should Not Delay a Necessary Evaluation

When should a parent be notified of their right to request an evaluation?

School districts should not use RTI as an excuse to delay, or worse, to not evaluate children suspected of having specific learning disabilities.

The RTI process does not replace the need for a comprehensive evaluation.

Parents should be advised that their child is not making expected academic progress, the services that will be provided and strategies used to increase their child's progress, and other options that are available to them i.e., the right to request an evaluation under IDEA at any time.

RTI Resources

Wrightslaw has collected articles, information, free publications, and recommended websites from a variety of sources about RTI.

You'll find answers to your questions and learn how RTI is likely to affect you (and your child). We encourage you to study these issues by reading the articles and publications.

Learn more about Response to Intervention (RTI).

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