RtI-E 3.0: Eligibility for SLD Using RtI within a Multi-Tiered System of Support

In 2007, the State of Florida revised its eligibility criteria for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). These revisions incorporated evidence-based practices in determining if students respond to instruction/intervention (RtI) as part of a comprehensive evaluation. From 2007-2010, technical assistance on meeting the eligibility criteria in the State Rule (6A-6.03018, F.A.C.) was provided in the form of a Technical Assistance Paper (#2009-177) and statewide meetings for district administrators. Since 2010, changes in school, district, and state personnel, and a change in how the state conceptualizes RtI within an MTSS, have occurred. In 2011, Florida’s statewide implementation of MTSS emerged as a systematic approach to the state’s continuous improvement framework to improve outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. Students’ response to instruction and intervention represents a critical component of MTSS for all students in addition to the eligibility process. These issues and changes in district and school personnel over time have created a need to offer a new round of support to schools and districts across the state.

For the last two years, the Florida Department of Education sponsored a series of face-to-face regional meetings, webinars, and virtual meetings linked through the use of technology to increase district capacity to successfully use RTI within a MTSS as part of a comprehensive evaluation for SLD eligibility determination. (Note: The eligibility criteria for SLD includes curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices at all three tiers of MTSS. General education, special education, and student support personnel all are involved in this process.) Florida’s Problem Solving/Response to Intervention Project staff developed and presented this content made available to all Florida school districts.

For our third year, we are pleased to announce RtI-E 3.0 to continue this support to district and schools. We look forward to continuing to facilitate Professional Learning Partnerships between the Department, discretionary projects, and districts that will support and sustain practices necessary to determine eligibility effectively and to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Through a series of self-paced online modules, live and recorded technical assistance webinars, and direct support from our PS/RtI Regional Coordinators, RtI-E 3.0 will focus on building internal district and school level alignment of practices and procedures to integrate RtI eligibility for SLD within a comprehensive MTSS approach. Districts and schools will be responsible for providing internal leadership and coaching to educators across their district over time, in collaboration and guidance with our PS/RtI Project staff.

RtI-E 3.0 will continue the momentum created over the last two years, forging a multi-year Professional Learning Partnership between the FLDOE, discretionary projects, and school districts to:

  • Increase understanding, capacity, and fidelity to apply eligibility criteria for SLD.
  • Develop and use a Community of Practice (CoP) to innovate and sustain practices that facilitate effective eligibility decisions for SLD within MTSS.
  • Increase the consistency and responsiveness of district and school level policies, practices, and procedures to integrate eligibility processes for SLD within MTSS.
  • Provide support for such practices in both Brick and Mortar and Innovative instructional modalities as districts continue to face challenges related to COVID-19 and learning disruptions.

RtI-E 3.0 Scope & Sequence Button

RtI-E 3.0 Launch & Introduction Module

Detailed information can be found in the RtI-E 3.0 Launch & Introduction Module (click the button below to access). In addition, there will be a Virtual RtI-E 3.0 Convening for MTSS District Contacts, ESE Directors, and other pertinent district/school leadership personnel on October 22, 2020 to provide an overview of information for the updated series and specific instructions on participation. There is no cost to these professional learning supports and participants will receive Certificates of Completion for various activities.

RtI-E 3.0 Launch Link