Vision for 2020

Effective July 1, 2020, the use of cognitive discrepancy models for determining eligibility of students with Specific Learning Disabilities will be prohibited and replaced with an instructional model that relies on a comprehensive evaluation utilizing multiple sources of data to establish each of the five criteria. As a result our agency has intentionally paired an RtI-based approach to evaluation and identification of students with SLD with a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). This policy change will establish a single, consistent process of defining, evaluating and identifying students with SLD allowing us to streamline training, guidance and coaching across the State. It also allows us to provides for early intervention, rather than a “wait to fail” approach for supporting student.