No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB 2001) and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) include an emphasis on accountability and the use of scientifically based curricula. NCLB legislated significant changes in standards for schools that focus on accountability for every student’s progress, ensuring that students are taught by highly effective teachers, proving that programs are successful based on scientifically based research and creating a system fully aligned with state learning standards.
The most recent changes in regulations emphasize the need to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by including them in accountability and assessment systems. IDEA focuses on providing access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities through the use of evidence-based instructional practices. The most recent IDEA regulations include the use of RtI as one way to identify specific learning disabilities and provide early intervention services for students who are determined to be at risk for learning problems. Research shows that multi-tiered models are effective educational practices with schools to bring high-quality instruction for all students.
For additional information, see the following appendices in A Guide to the Kentucky System of Interventions:
Appendix C - Legislation that Created RtI
Appendix E – EPAS Interventions and Documentation