Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
Definition
A specific learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest in significant difficulties affecting the ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematics. Associated conditions may include, but are not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or developmental aphasia. A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of a visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, or emotional/behavioral disability, limited English proficiency, or environmental, cultural, or economic factors.
This definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03018, F.A.C.
Contacts
State Laws and Regulations
The rules referenced below are specific to SLD. Please refer to Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules - Hyperlinked Index (PDF) for a complete listing of laws and regulations applicable to exceptional student education.
- 6A-6.0331, F.A.C., General Education Intervention Procedures, Identification, Evaluation, Reevaluation and the Initial Provision of Exceptional Education Services
- 6A-6.03018, F.A.C., Exceptional Education Eligibility for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities
Department of Education Resources
Publications
- DPS: 2016-13 - Memorandum: Least Restrictive Environment Considerations Related to Individual Educational Plans
- Accommodations: Assisting Students with Disabilities (2018) (PDF)
- Developing Quality Individual Educational Plans
Projects
- Learning Through Listening
- Problem-solving/Response to Intervention State Project
- Technology and Learning Connections
- Florida’s State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Project
Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs)
- DPS 2010-70 - Updated May 19, 2017 Accessible Instructional Materials (PDF)
- DPS: 2015-151 - General Education Intervention Procedures
- DPS: 2015-152 - Evaluation, Determination of Eligibility, Reevaluation and the Provision of Exceptional Student Education Services
- DPS: 2015-16 - Waiver of Statewide, Standardized Assessment Results for Students with Disabilities
- DPS: 2014-128 - Third Grade Student Progression
- DPS: 2014-94 - What’s Special about Special Education? Specially Designed Instruction for Students with Disabilities within a Multi-tiered System of Supports
- DPS: 2009-177 - Questions and Answers: State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03018, Florida Administrative Code, Exceptional Student Education Eligibility for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (PDF)
- Example Coversheet for the Written Summary of the Group’s Analysis of Data for SLD Eligibility Decisions (Word)
This Word document is provided as a visual example. Viewers may download and modify it for their individual needs.
- Example Coversheet for the Written Summary of the Group’s Analysis of Data for SLD Eligibility Decisions (Word)
- Technical Assistance Paper FY 2006-11 - Grading Policies for Students with Disabilities (PDF)
Online Modules for Professional Development
- Personnel Development Portal for Exceptional Student Education
- Professional Development Alternatives
State Resources
- CPALMS Resources
- ESE Policies & Procedures
- 2018-19 K-12 Comprehensive Research-Based Reading Plans
- Florida Center for Reading Research
- Florida Council for Exceptional Children
- Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System
- Florida’s Response to Intervention-Positive Behavior Support Project
- Florida’s Response to Instruction/Intervention State Web site
- Just Read, Florida!
- Just Take 20
- Office of K-12 School Choice
- Web-based Evaluation Resources
- Student Support Services Project
- Dyslexia Fast Facts (PDF)
National Resources
- Bookshare
- Center on Instruction
- IDEA Partnership Website
- National Association of State Directors of Special Education (Response to Intervention Project)
- National Center on Learning Disabilities
- National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
- National Center on Intensive Intervention
- RtI Action Network
- What Works Clearinghouse
- Questions parents and educators can ask to start conversations about using terms like Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia