Procedures for Determination of a Specific Learning Disability -- Hybrid

 Creative Technologies Academy will utilize an underachievement plus hybrid "pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) or insufficient progress in response to scientific research based intervention (RTSRBI)" model for the determination of a specific learning disability, as these terms are defined below:

 1.     A student may be found to demonstrate inadequate achievement in basic reading, reading comprehension, reading fluency, math calculation, math problem solving, oral expression, listening comprehension, or written expression, if his/her performance on an individually administered achievement measure of the skill area in question falls at or below the 12^th percentile on national or local norms, or in the lowest 10% of his/her class when provided with appropriate instruction to state approved grade level content expectations.

 2.     The determination of the appropriate option in the hybrid approach, i.e., either PSW (SW in the chart below) or RTSRBI (R in the chart below) will be made per the following grid:

 3.     For purposes of the above charting patterns of strengths and weaknesses, the following decision rules to be applied:

 a.   A "strength" or "weakness" is defined by use of the decision rules on the attached grid (Attachment A).

b.   A "pattern of strengths" means at least three separate assessment measures within two or more assessment boxes (one of which must be "observation") in at least one skill area, that are coded as strengths using the criteria identified in 2a.

c.   A "pattern of weaknesses" means at least four separate assessment measures within two or more assessment boxes (one of which must be "observation") in the skill area of concern for the initial evaluation or subsequent redetermination of eligibility for specific learning disability.

 4.     Insufficient progress in response to scientifically research based intervention will be assessed by examining the student's response to intervention pursuant to procedures and decision rules utilized in the district's [RTI, MiBLSi, ICT] intervention process. 

 In making a determination as to whether a student has or continues to have a specific learning disability, the District will also comply with all applicable federal regulations and State rules, including those addressing comprehensive evaluations, determination of the existence of a specific learning disability, observation of academic performance and behavior in the areas of difficulty, specific documentation for SLD eligibility determination, and reevaluation requirements.