MTSS & Students with Disabilities

The reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 made it clear that students with disabilities are to be considered first and foremost as general education students. Instruction and interventions for all students are implemented using a data-based problem-solving process that matches the intensity of support to meet student needs - both strengths and weaknesses (What is Special About Special Education? PS/RtI website 2021). Students with disabilities are legally entitled to specially designed instruction (SDI), including intensive intervention, when the intensity of their needs warrants this level of support. Effective core instruction and interventions are provided for all students, including students with disabilities, who need them.

Specially Designed Instruction occurs concurrently, as needed by the individual student, versus in-place of Tiered interventions.