Chapter 1: Pre-Referral Services - Page 3

Reading First

Established by the latest version of the nation's largest federal education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Reading First is a program designed to establish reading programs for students in kindergarten through Grade 3 that are based on scientifically based reading research.

The Reading First program provides funds for teacher training, reading screening and assessments, and instructional materials and strategies proven to prevent or remediate reading failure. The program is available to elementary schools with significantly high rates of reading failure.

While learning to read is a complex, multi-dimensional process, NCLB has helped de-mystify reading instruction by providing what research has determined are the "essential components of reading instruction."

Important Note:

These "essential components of reading instruction" have also been incorporated into the eligibility provisions of IDEA 2004. This will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 6: Eligibility Determination. Parents can now use the essential components of reading instruction to make sure that their child is getting reading instruction based on reading research.

See the Reading Instruction Checklist to learn what your school's reading program should include.

There are several other provisions of No Child Left Behind that can be used to provide help for struggling learners. These provisions are explained in a companion guide entitled, Making the 'No Child Left Behind Act' Work for Children Who Struggle to Learn: A Parent's Guide.

Final Word

From this chapter, you should understand that your school may already have pre-referral interventions in place to support struggling students. These services may be offered using IDEA funds, NCLB programs or a combination of the two. Regardless of how you and your child's school might go about finding ways to offer additional support and improve learning, it's important to understand that your school has both the incentive and funding available to serve your child.

And remember, good communication between you and your child’s school is critical to making your child a successful learner. Use the "Checklist for Home-School Communications" to assist you.

In Chapter 2 you'll learn about another approach for providing early, research-based instructional interventions to struggling students. Go to Chapter 2: Response-to-Intervention.

Table of Contents

• An Overview of IDEA Parent Guide 
• Chapter 1: Pre-Referral Services
• Chapter 2: Response-to-Intervention
• Chapter 3: Referral/Request for Evaluation
• Chapter 4: Procedural Safeguards — Understanding and Exercising Your Legal Rights
• Chapter 5: Evaluation: Learning More About Your Child
• Chapter 6: Eligibility Determination: Determining Your Child's Need for Special Education
• Chapter 7: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) — Developing Your Child's Education Plan
• Chapter 8: Transition — Planning Your Child's Future Success
• Chapter 9: Students in Private School: Understanding Your Child's Special Education Options
• Chapter 10: Student Discipline — Addressing Serious Behavior Issues and Concerns
• Chapter 11: Dispute Resolution Options — Understanding Your Options for Settling Disputes

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Note: The IDEA Parent Guide was created to provide a basic understanding of the key requirements of the federal law under IDEA. The information presented here is not legal advice and should not be used as a legal resource.

Candace Cortiella is Director of The Advocacy Institute, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities through public policy and other initiatives. The mother of a young adult with learning disabilities, she lives in the Washington, D.C., area.