OSEP Letters, Part 1: Twice-Exceptional Students, SLD Eligibility & the End of “Severe Discrepancy”

Karen kicks off a multi-part series on must-know guidance letters from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Today’s focus: the Dec 20, 2013 letter about twice-exceptional (2e) students and how states may—and may not—determine Specific Learning Disability (SLD) eligibility under IDEA.What you’ll learn:Why high cognition does not disqualify a student from IDEA eligibility.The two-part test for IDEA eligibility (impairment + need for special education/related services).The 2004 IDEA reauthorization changes that matter (ESY, transition, removal of severe discrepancy requirement).What states must permit (RTI/response to scientific, research-based interventions) and what they must not require(a severe discrepancy).“Cut scores” and why one test or single metric cannot be the sole criterion.The nine academic areas (incl. dyslexia/reading domains) used when considering SLD.How to use the letter in meetings (and get it into deliberations) when schools say “the numbers are the numbers.”Why district “policies” can’t narrow federal rights—and how to ask for the actual board policy.Quote to remember: “We don’t educate to please the adults in the room—we educate to meet the needs of the child.”👉 Join ongoing trainings in The Academyhttps://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...