This library responds to several challenges and opportunities inherent in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and the No Child Left Behind Act: (a) early intervening to prevent learning difficulties from leading to academic failure; (b) response to intervention to determine progress and adjust instruction; (c) the need for instruction that works for culturally and/or linguistically diverse students; (d) the imperative to reduce referrals of children who do not need special education; (e) the impetus to increase success for all students in the general curriculum; (f) the contribution of non-academic services to improving academic performance; and (g) "Raising Achievement: A New Path for No Child Left Behind,” a 2005 initiative of the U.S. Department of Education at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2005/04/04072005.html

Therefore, the RKR library centers largely on models, curricula, practices, policy, research, and resources generated in general education and related arenas -- to the extent that these can be applied to improve outcomes for all learners.  Because special education has developed ways to make general education more applicable to struggling learners, results of research and development from some of these sources are included.  Information is presented in the language of the developer, distributor, or author.  The IDEA Partnership has no ownership of anything described in this library. Rather, we are attempting to provide easy access to wide-ranging information in one location and to convey what others have accomplished.  Everything is accessible online.

OUR PARTNER in initiating this library is the Southeast Regional Resource Center in Montgomery, Alabama.  In response to requests from States it serves, SERRC was visionary in seeing the need for a library of this type. SERRC has been instrumental in identifying early information and anticipating future directions.  In addition, the collection on Achievement Gaps, Diversity, and Disproportionality will soon become available at the SERRC website.

Click  to send comments and suggestions about the RKR Library and your recommendations of new contents.   On the subject line, please put: Judy Smith-Davis -- RKR.


Click below to enter any of the topical collections in the RKR library.