Legislation introduced this spring by State Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-29), Chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, would establish a new way for districts to identify students with learning disabilities and find them eligible for special education services.
Current state rules allow school districts to use two different, but accepted, methods for identifying students with a learning disability. The first method, called a ‘discrepancy model’ requires that a student show a ‘severe discrepancy’ between achievement and intellectual ability. The second method looks at a student’s response to scientifically validated interventions, referred to as ‘response to intervention (RTI).’
Under the new measure (S-2526), school districts would be allowed to use a third model – a model that is permitted under the Federal Law (IDEA) – which examines whether a child exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement or both, relative to age, grade standards, or intellectual development.
If passed, the bill requires the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the new law.
CLICK HERE to read the bill.
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