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.

8 Academic Domains of SLD:

Oral Expression
Listening Comprehension
Written Expression
Basic Reading Skill

Reading Fluency Skills
Reading Comprehension
Mathematical Calculation
Mathematical Problem Solving

What's New

Assessing, Preventing and Overcoming Reading difficulties Online Course Registration for Spring 2020

This is an online course designed by David Kilpatrick and follows his book of the same title. Through engagement in this series of 13 on-demand webinars, participants will understand the current research, implications, and the essential elements necessary for assessing, preventing, and overcoming reading difficulties.

Participants will learn:

Why popular and commonly used instructional practices do not work for struggling readers.
How to appropriately assess students to determine root cause for reading difficulties.
Highly effective and evidence based strategies and instructional practices to improve reading skills.

APORD Flyer

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.

Resources

[SLD General Resources ]

In this section you will find information on the following:

Cultural/Linguistic Diversity
Eligibility and Guidance
Language and Literacy
Math
MTSS, UDL, AT, RtI
Parents and Families
Social / Emotional
Transition, School, Career

Professional Learning

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, please follow the directions below.

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.

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:

Veronica Fiedler
Phone: 303-866-6863
Email Veronica Fiedler

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