Meeting of the Board of Regents | April 2010

SUMMARY

Issue for Discussion

Should the Regents amend the Regulations on provision of Academic Intervention Services? 

Reason for Consideration

Review of Policy

Background

Due to ongoing concerns about the quality of the required Academic Intervention Services (AIS) program, given the strength of the Response to Intervention (RtI) model that currently exists in regulations, and given the need to find ways to assist districts in the current economic environment, the Department is considering regulatory flexibility. 

The Department proposes that the following four options be made available to districts: 

1. Continue with a current AIS model, or

2. Move to or expand on an RtI model, or

3. Use a blended approach of AIS and RtI (ex: RtI in lower grades, AIS in upper grades), or

4. Submit a plan via the district’s website on or before October 1, 2010 on how the district will provide services (such a plan must be substantially equivalent to AIS/RtI requirements).

For additional information on AIS and associated regulations, see: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/top/AISQAweb.pdf

For additional information on RtI and associated regulations, see: http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/RTI.htm

Points for consideration

1. The RtI technical center is in operation and 14 school districts have been provided with grants from SED to implement an RtI model.  These institutions would guide school districts in implementation.

1. We are aware of numerous districts across the state beyond the 14 that have functional RtI models in place

1. Title I funding would not be impacted under this model of flexibility as the definition of services would be changed in-house only and no request would have to be made of the federal government.

1. RtI Regulations are already in place.

1. Under this model, parents would need to be notified of the change in provision of services if the district chooses options 2-4 outlined in the Background section of this item.

1. SED is seeking comments from our partner organizations around the State. 

Recommendation

Approve the proposed policy.

Timetable for Implementation

If the Regents approve the proposed policy outlined in this item, draft regulations will be brought to the EMSC Committee at its May 2010 meeting for discussion and consideration.