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.
8 Areas of SLD:
- Oral Expression
- Listening Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Basic Reading Skill
- Reading Fluency Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematical Calculation
- Mathematical Problem Solving
Professional Learning Opportunities (Specific Learning Disability)
ESSU Calendars:
Professional Development:
SLD Trainings
Let's Write! A Team Approach
Workshop: September 15, 2017
This hybrid, professional learning experience will provide information and tools to identify important issues and strategies to support struggling writers. Your cross-disciplinary team including an OT, SLP, general and special educator will collaborate on how to integrate their services to improve writing instruction and outcomes.
Technical Assistance Documents
- SLD in Colorado Rules and Federal Regulations - Update in Progress
- 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) (NOTE: These guidelines are being revised)
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.
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 following link will provide access to the RtI Guidebook, sample brochure, training presentations, videos and other resources.
Resources
Websites for Educators
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Assistive Technology Partners
- Bookshare
- CAST
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Center on Technology and Disability
- CHADD, The National Resource on ADHD
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
- Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Council for Learning Disabilities
- Florida Center on Reading Research
- IDEA What Works Clearinghouse
- The International Dyslexia Association and Rocky Mountain Branch
- The Iris Center
- Learning Ally
- LD online
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
- National Center on Intensive Intervention
- National Center on Response to Intervention
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
- National Center on Universal Design for Learning
- National Reading Panel
- Reading Rockets
- RtI Action Network
- SWIFT, schoolwide integrated framework for transformation
- Understood for Learning and Attention Issues
- University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning
- Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
- Vaughn-Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts
Websites for Parents/Families
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Center on Technology and Disability
- CHADD, The National Resource on ADHD
- The international Dyslexia Association and Rocky Mountain Branch
- Learning Ally
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- National Center on Response to Intervention
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
- Reading Rockets
- RtI Action Network
- SWIFT, School-wide Integrated Framework for Transformation
- Understood for Learning and Attention Issues
- Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Resources:
- Twice Exceptional Students, Gifted Students with Disabilities, An Introductory Resource Book (PDF)
- Technical Assistance Documents
Helpful CDE Links:
Specific Learning Disability Listserv
The Colorado Specific Learning Disability (SLD) listserv shares 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 or contribute information to share with this community, please Email Jill Marshall.
Join the CO-SLD Listserv
To subscribe to the CO-SLD listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email SLD-join@web.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
- You will receive a confirmation email. You will not be added until you respond to this email.
- If you have a problem, try using “plain” text or check with the technology people in your district.
To unsubscribe from the CO-SLD listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email lyris@web.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
- In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe CO-SLD.”
- You will automatically be unsubscribed.
For more information, please contact:
Jill Marshall
Phone: 303-866-6883
Email Jill Marshall
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.
