§ 300.307 Specific learning disabilities.

Plain English summary

This section requires States to adopt specific criteria for identifying children with specific learning disabilities (SLD), prohibiting reliance solely on a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement. States must permit use of a Response to Intervention (RTI) process and may allow other alternative research-based procedures. Public agencies must apply whatever criteria the State adopts when making SLD eligibility determinations.

Key requirements

• A State must adopt, consistent with § 300.309, criteria for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability as defined in § 300.8(c)(10).
• The criteria adopted by the State must not require the use of a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability.
• The criteria must permit the use of a process based on the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention.
• The criteria may permit the use of other alternative research-based procedures for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability.
• A public agency must use the State criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section in determining whether a child has a specific learning disability.

Affected parties

• State educational agencies (SEAs)
• Public agencies (LEAs)
• Children suspected of having specific learning disabilities
• Parents of children being evaluated for specific learning disabilities

Official source

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/part-300/section-300.307