Discussion Question #1

Explain what response to interventions (RTI) is. What are positive behavioral interventions and supports? How are instructional practices determined to be scientifically based? What are the components of scientifically based instruction? Describe the three tiers of RTI. Why should teachers use differentiated instruction? How does the ADAPT framework fit into RTI? (Sugai, Horner, Fixen, & Blase, 2010; Haager & Klingner, 2005; Hoover & Patton, 2004)

Discussion Question #2

What is the evaluation and identification process? There are seven steps to the formation of an individualized program. Discuss what each step involves and how they work together to provide students with disabilities the appropriate education. (U.S. Department of Education, 2006)

Discussion Question #3

Who are the members of the IEP team? Explain the roles of educational professionals, families, and students. How do special education multidisciplinary teams and services meet the needs of students with disabilities? What does IDEA (2004) mean by high-quality general education teachers and special education teachers? Many students with disabilities require related services and providers. Discuss what this means. (Darling-Hammond, 2005, 2006a, 2006b; Brown, Paulsen, & Higgins, 2003; Dworetzky, 2004; Cartledge, Kea, & Ida, 2000; Buehler, 2004; NCLB, 2001; Etzel-Wise & Mears, 2004; Neal, Bigby, & Nicolson, 2004)

Discussion Question #4

What plans guarantee students with disabilities an appropriate education? Describe the key features and components of each plan. When and how is a functional behavioral assessment used? (U.S. Department of Education, 2006; Wagner et al., 2006; Neubert, 2003; Hanley, Iwata, & McCord, 2003; Kern et al., 2001)

Discussion Question #5

When and how are existing individualized plans evaluated? What role do assessments play in the evaluation of plans? What does IDEA ’04 require during the IEP process? Who are the required members? Discuss the importance of family in this process. (Vaughn & Fuchs, 2003)