Specific Learning Disability
Each local education agency and public school academy in Michigan is required to publicly post the process used to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability.
Consistent with this requirement, Brandon School District reports the following:
The local district process used to assess the student’s suspected underachievement is determination of a pattern of strengths and weaknesses §300.309(a)(2).
- The student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both relative to student’s age or to Michigan approved grade level standards or intellectual development. Note: Severe Discrepancy must never be used exclusively to determine the existence of SLD.
- The inadequate achievement is not the primary result of lack of appropriate instruction in math or the essential components or reading.
- Data demonstrates that prior to, or as part of, the referral process, the student was provided appropriate instruction delivered by qualified personnel in the general education setting. §300.309 (b)(1)
- Data-based documentation of repeated assessments of achievement at reasonable intervals of student progress during instruction was available and provided to the parents. §300.309 (b)(2)
Child Find Process - Multi-Tiered System of Support
When a student is experiencing difficulty in school, it is necessary to identify the cause and provide appropriate intervention strategies as early as possible. In order to accurately assess the problem it is important to gather as much data as possible and seek input from individuals with knowledge about the student before making a determination to implement a particular program or strategy. Each school will utilize the MTSS team information to review all available data and make recommendations. Program decisions will be made after allowing adequate time to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The building principal will oversee the final decision process.