Continuing Discussion on the Implementation of HB3586/PA 101-515

As school districts continue to work out the details of implementing PA 101-515, it serves as a moment to review each district's RTI plan. Since the 2010-2011 school year, the ISBE regulations have required that each school district implement a response-to-intervention process for determining eligibility for a specific learning disability, and must do so pursuant to a locally-developed RTI plan. Now that the School Code 1) permits an RTI process for eligibility determinations other than specific learning disability, and 2) requires parent participation in a collaborative team approach, it is essential that these two new aspects of RTI be included in an updated district RTI plan.

 

It is probable that ISBE will issue guidance and/or regulations at some point regarding these two aspects of the RTI process, but it is important to be utilizing the present time to review, revise, and re-invent your district's RTI plan. Not only do we need to improve the specificity regarding existing RTI procedures, but also define the parameters of the use of RTI (if your district elects to use RTI in other eligibility categories) and define when, where, and how parents will participate in the process. In order to avoid confusion or complaints, the more specificity and direction in the RTI plan is highly advisable. Be ready to talk about these issues and other aspects of PA 101-515 at our Fall Workshop on October 30th!