Specific Learning Disability (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.  Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of: visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; intellectual disability; serious emotional disability; cultural factors; environmental or economic disadvantage; or limited English proficiency.

What's New

Spring 2021 Assessing Preventing and Overcoming Reading Difficulties Online Course

This self-paced, asynchronous eLearning series was developed by David Kilpatrick, Ph.D., in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Education. 

Course Date: February 1 - June 1, 2021

Learn More & Register

Webinar: What about Maths? Providing assessment and promoting engagement for students with disabilities in 2020.

Two 45 minute live webinars that will address instructional practices and tools to increase engagement for elementary and secondary students with math difficulties and disabilities learning in remote, in-person and hybrid models.

View What about Maths? Elementary Focus

View What about Maths? Secondary Focus

Determining SLD Eligibility: An Overview

This 40-minute video will discuss:

• the differences between MTSS and RtI and how they are interrelated.
• how to to build a body of evidence through an RtI process in order to determine eligibility for Specific Learning Disability.
• review considerations for English Learners during the eligibility process for special education services.

View the video on the CDE Professional Development Portal.

Assessing, Preventing and Overcoming Reading Difficulties

Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties is an on-demand eLearning series that was developed by David Kilpatrick, Ph.D., in collaboration with the Specific Learning Disability Specialist in the Exceptional Student Services Unit of the Colorado Department of Education.

Content of the webinar series was originally included in the book Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties (Wiley, 2015).

Click here to learn more about this on-demand series.

Specific Learning Disability Listserv

The Colorado Specific Learning Disability (SLD) listserv shares resources, professional development and training opportunities and provides information including current trends, research, and ongoing topics of interest related to SLD. The purpose of this network is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will better the lives of students with Specific Learning Disability and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the CO-SLD Listserv, please follow the directions below. 

Join the CO-SLD Listserv

Listserv Disclaimer:

A variety of learning opportunities, information, and resources are provided on this listserv. These materials do not represent an exhaustive list, nor are they required or endorsed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The identification or description is for the purpose of providing information and resources and does not constitute CDE's endorsement. Every effort has been made to identify the citation for the resource; please maintain the citation and/or authorship when adapting or modifying these materials.

For more information, please contact: