Response to Intervention and the Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities

The use of response-to-intervention (RTI) to identify children and youth with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) is described with multiple illustrations. Essential components of the RTI process are specified at multiple tiers of intervention, each essential to valid SLD identification. The RTI goals are prevention in general education, early identification and intervention, and intensive treatment of children with severe and chronic achievement and behavioral challenges. Identification of SLD is described as a series of stages culminating in a comprehensive evaluation that meets requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. During the comprehensive evaluation, the need for screening in at least 12 domains is stressed, followed by an in-depth assessment in domains in which the possibility of educationally related deficits exists. Advantages of RTI-based SLD identification are discussed.