Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

Definition: Specific Learning Disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

Professional Development Opportunities

Full Day Regional Workshops
- SLD Reading Instruction - A Deeper Dive Into Phonology and Advanced Decoding
  - Flyer (PDF) includes workshop description, dates, locations, and times
  - Registration (SurveyMonkey): Individual, only registration only.
    Deadline for registration is 7 days prior to each workshop date. (Maximum capacity may be reached prior to the deadline for any given date.). Special accommodations need to be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the selected date. Contact Shannon Pfeiffer by phone at 303-866-6969 or by email at pfeiffer_s@cde.state.co.us
    - Workshop dates, locations, and registration links (click on date to register)
      - September 25, 2012 - Pueblo
      - October 23, 2012 - North Metro Area
      - November 7, 2012 - South Metro Area
      - November 8, 2012 - Greeley
      - February 1, 2013 - Grand Junction
- SLD Math Instruction: Developing Number Knowledge of Students with Math-Related Disabilities
  - Flyer (PDF) includes workshop description, dates, locations, and times
  - Registration (SurveyMonkey): Individual, only registration only.
    Deadline for registration is 7 days prior to each workshop date. (Maximum capacity may be reached prior to the deadline for any given date.). Note: Special accommodations need to be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the selected date. Contact Shannon Pfeiffer by phone at 303-866-6969 or by email at pfeiffer_s@cde.state.co.us
    - Workshop dates, locations, and registration links (click on date to register)
      - September 27, 2012 - Grand Junction
      - October 18, 2012 - Pueblo
      - November 15, 2012 - North Metro Area
      - December 13, 2012 - Greeley
      - January 17, 2013 - South Metro Area
SLD Online Class
- Specific Learning Disabilities: Eligibility Criteria and Identification Process
  - Dates: April 1-28, 2013
    - SLD Online Class Flyer (PDF): includes description and online registration link
    - Syllabus (PDF): gives information as to course expectations, course content, and how the online class is conducted
    - Online Registration (SurveyMonkey)
      - Registration deadline: March 25, 2013 (although the class may reach capacity prior to this date)

Check for professional opportunities addressing the implementation of Response to Intervention.

Documents related to the Identification of SLD

SLD Topic Briefs:
- SLD Topic Brief - Evaluation and Eligibility (PDF)
- SLD Topic Brief - RtI and Referral (PDF)
- SLD Topic Brief - Dyslexia and SLD (PDF)
- SLD Topic Brief - GT and SLD (PDF)
- SLD Topic Brief - SLI and SLD (PDF)
- SLD Topic Brief - Triennial Reevaluation and Continued Eligibility (PDF)
SLD in Colorado Rules and Federal Regulations (PDF)
- The above document includes the sections from the Colorado Rules for the Administration of the Exceptional Children’s Educational Act pertaining to Specific Learning Disabilities, as well as the sections of the Federal Regulations that are referenced in these Colorado Rules as also being applicable.
Guidelines for Identifying Students with Specific Learning Disabilities, Revised October, 2008 (PDF)
- The guidelines above provide specific guidance in the implementation of the eligibility criteria and identification process for identifying students with Specific Learning Disabilities in Colorado.
Fast Fact: SLD, October 2011 (PDF)

Presentations/Resources from SLD professional development sessions

SLD Eligibility and Identification Process: Slideshow Presentations (2012)
SLD Webinar: Basic Reading Skill Assessment and Specialized Instruction
Melody Ilk, literacy consultant, led this session that addressed the assessment of basic reading skills, as well as the effective implementation of research-based instruction for improving the achievement of students with this most commonly-identified type of Specific Learning Disabilities. The presenter coordinated a six-year, multi-building, literacy project that resulted in extraordinary achievement gains in high risk schools and among students with disabilities.

This PowerPoint presentation outlines the content covered by the presenter. There is no recording of the auditory portion of this Webinar.
- SLD Webinar, 10-02-12 (PDF)

SLD Identification: Body of Evidence Related to the 2 Key Criteria in Areas of Literacy and Math - 2010-2011
- Presentation 1 (PDF)
  - Introduction and Four Areas of Literacy (Basic Reading Skills, Reading Fluency, Reading Comprehension and Written Expression)
- Presentation 2 (PDF)
  - Two Areas of Math (Calculation and Problem Solving, Determining Progress and Measuring Fidelity)
Oral Expression and Listening Comprehension as Areas of Specific Learning Disabilities
- Slideshow, 2011 (PDF)

Response to Intervention (RtI)

Determining a child’s response to scientifically, researched-based intervention as required in the identification of a Specific Learning Disability is critical. However, Response to Intervention as a statewide systems’ reform initiative is being promoted across the Colorado Department of Education to improve learning results for ALL students, not just those who may be identified as having a Specific Learning Disability. The follow link will provide access to the RtI Guidebook, sample brochure, training presentations, videos and other resources.

Response to Intervention

Twice Exceptional

Twice Exceptional Students, Gifted Students with Disabilities, An Introductory Resource Book (PDF)

For more information, please contact:

Candy Myers
Phone: (303) 866-6883