1. What you need to know about IEPs and Advocacy (SLD) Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan Kathleen Kosobud, presenter Kosobud51@gmail.com

2. Michigan Students with Disabilities Source: Mi-CIS, IDEA count 12/2009

3. RTI: A Problem-Solving Method What is the problem? Why is it happening? What should be done about it? Did it work? Source: IDEA Partnership, 2007

4. Primary Instruction (~80%) School-/Classroom-wide Systems for All Students, Staff and Settings Secondary Intervention (~15%) Specialized Group Systems for Students with At Risk Performance Tertiary Intervention (~5%) Specialized Individualized Systems for Students with Intensive Needs ~80% of Students ~15% ~5% Continuum of School-Wide Instruction Adapted from”What is School-Wide PBS?”

5. Michigan SLD Identification Cannot require use of “severe discrepancy” May use a “response to intervention” process May use other research-based procedures A comprehensive evaluation by a multi- disciplinary team including –General education teacher AND –Person qualified to conduct individual diagnostic evaluations OR –Provider of speech and language OR –Teacher consultant

6. What is the 9th Percentile? graphic: http://www.georgehernandez.com

7. IEP Considerations Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP statement) –Including grade levels for achievement (high and low) –Social-emotional development –Behavior Positive behavior interventions, supports, and strategies for students whose behavior impedes learning The need for assistive technology devices or services

8. IEP Considerations Supplementary Aids/Services/Supports –Amount of Time/Frequency/Conditions –Location Goals and Objectives Teacher’s endorsement Programs and Services (FAPE in the LRE) Special Transportation Assessment accommodations: Standard and Non-Standard

9. Specialized Instruction 80% of students with learning disabilities are identified with reading problems “Tier 3 interventions” –Direct instruction –Multi-sensory –Evidence-based –1-1 or small group

10. Testing Accommodations Accommodations are designed to level the playing field, not to invalidate the tests –Tests of reading skills cannot be read to student –Tests of math calculation cannot allow calculators –Writing tests often do not allow spell- and grammar- checkers, although they can be word-processed. Extended time Instructions read (or on tape) for the student Setting Breaks Scribe

11. Assistive Technology Considerations Developmentally appropriate Allow access to the general curriculum Proactive preparation for independent use at higher levels of schooling Low-tech through Hi-tech

12. Study of Adults with LD Knowledge of A.D.A. and Section 504 Realities of disability self-disclosure Importance of self-determination* * Madaus, J.W., Gerber, P.J., & Price, L.A.(2008). Adults with Learning Disabilities in the workforce: Lessons for secondary transition programs. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice. 23(3), 148-153.

13. Michigan Merit Curriculum 4 English Credits 4 Mathematics Credits (can be reduced by.5 credit) 3 Science Credits 3 Social Studies Credits –.5 Civics –.5 Economics 1 P.E./Health Credit 1 Visual, Performing or Applied Arts Credit 2 World Languages Credits (class of 2016) An online learning experience* *Michigan Dept. of Education, Personal Curriculum Guidelines, August 2009

14. Need More Information? Contact: LDA of Michigan Website: http://ldaofmichigan.org/http://ldaofmichigan.org/ Blog: http://ldamiexchange.blogspot.com/http://ldamiexchange.blogspot.com/ Listserv: ldaofmichigan@yahoogroups.com Wiki: http://ldaofmichigan.wikispaces.com/http://ldaofmichigan.wikispaces.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ldaofmichiganwww.facebook.com/groups/ldaofmichigan Contact: ldamich@sbcglobal.netldamich@sbcglobal.net Toll-free: 1-888-597-7809