This 2006 guide produced by the National Research Center on Learning Disabilities (NRCLD) provides a comprehensive overview of specific learning disabilities (SLD) and policy implementation. This multi-part guide presents seven sections relating to the implementation of a model for SLD identification. It covers needs assessment, implementation, and evaluation and includes guidance documents and tools for assessment and planning. This resource would be of most use to state education agencies looking for a comprehensive guide to SLD and implementation of a plan in their state.
Introduction to the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 1: Determine current status in your state and prepare for change
Section 1 Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 1 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 1.1: Identify Relevant Representatives
Activity 1.2: Administer SLD Determination Survey
Activity 1.3: Collect and Analyze Results
Activity 1.4: Review Findings with Staff
Activity 1.5: Use These Results
Activity 1.6: Are You Ready for Change?
Section 2: Ensure policy coherence across legislation
Section 2 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 2 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 2.1: Characteristics that Define Organizational Mission Statement
Activity 2.2: The Search for Policy Coherence within Two Legislative Initiatives
Section 3: Address challenges with SLD determination in your state
Section 3 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 3 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 3.1: Accuracy in SLD Identification Decisions
Activity 3.2: Challenges that Affect Your Setting
Section 4: Address who is the student with SLD
Section 4 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 4 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 4.1: Distinguish Between Low Achievement and SLD
Activity 4.2: Features and Related Characteristics of SLD
Activity 4.3: Put It All Together
Section 5: Design the plan
Section 5 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 5 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 5.1: Framework for SLD Identification Model
Activity 5.2: Components to Assess
Activity 5.3: Criteria for Decision Making
Section 6: Implement the plan
Section 6 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 6 Reflection and Planning Tool
Activity 6.1: SLD Determination Process
Activity 6.2: Create a Timeline
Activity 6.3: Addressing Challenges
Section 7: Evaluate the plan
Section 7 of the Getting Started with SLD Guide
Section 7 Reflection and Planning Tool
