This Director's Communication Memorandum is to inform educators of the teleconference "Addressing the Needs of Students with Learning Difficulties through the Response to Intervention (RTI) Strategies" that will downlink on November 17, 2004, sponsored by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE).
The reauthorization of IDEA will provide important flexibility for states in the identification of students eligible for special education. The majority of children currently in special education are in the Specific Learning Disability (SLD) category. Many educators question the methods currently utilized to identify and assess children for SLD. However, research is underway that will provide important insights into a strategy known as Response to Intervention (RTI). The presenters will address the definition of RTI, current research, state and local models being used and specific experiences in developing a state model. The history of the identification process for SLD and current initiatives in this area will also be addressed.
Contact the cooperative in the local area and ask if the cooperative will downlink this teleconference. Any entity with the capability to downlink may do so free of charge. There is no charge to access this teleconference.
Presenters and technical information is attached.