Section 281.41.313. Systematic problem-solving process.

       41.313(1) Definition. When used by an AEA in its identification process, “systematic problem-solving” means a set of procedures that is used to examine the nature and severity of an educationally related problem. These procedures primarily focus on variables related to developing effective educationally related interventions.

       41.313(2) Parent participation in systematic problem-solving process. Active parent participation is an integral aspect of the process and is solicited throughout.

       41.313(3) Components. At a minimum, a systematic problem-solving process includes the following components.

        a.           Description of problem. The presenting problem or behavior of concern shall be described in objective, measurable terms that focus on alterable characteristics of the individual and the environment. The individual and environment shall be examined through systematic data collection. The presenting problem or behaviors of concern shall be defined in a problem statement that describes the degree of discrepancy between the demands of the educational setting and the individual’s performance.

        b.           Data collection and problem analysis. A systematic, data-based process for examining all that is known about the presenting problem or behaviors of concern shall be used to identify interventions that have a high likelihood of success. Data collected on the presenting problem or behaviors of concern shall be used to plan and monitor interventions. Data collected shall be relevant to the presenting problem or behaviors of concern and shall be collected in multiple settings using multiple sources of information and multiple data collection methods. Data collection procedures shall be individually tailored, valid, and reliable, and allow for frequent and repeated measurement of intervention effectiveness.

        c.           Intervention design and implementation. Interventions shall be designed based on the preceding analysis, the defined problem, parent input, and professional judgments about the potential effectiveness of interventions. The interventions shall be described in an intervention plan that includes goals and strategies, a progress monitoring plan, a decision-making plan for summarizing and analyzing progress monitoring data, and responsible parties. Interventions shall be implemented as developed and modified on the basis of objective data and with the agreement of the responsible parties.

        d.           Progress monitoring. Systematic progress monitoring shall be conducted which includes regular and frequent data collection, analysis of individual performance across time, and modification of interventions as frequently as necessary based on systematic progress monitoring data.

        e.           Evaluation of intervention effects. The effectiveness of interventions shall be evaluated through a systematic procedure in which patterns of individual performance are analyzed and summarized. Decisions regarding the effectiveness of interventions focus on comparisons with initial levels of performance.

       41.313(4) Rule of construction. A systematic problem-solving process may be used for any child suspected of being an eligible individual, and nothing in this chapter nor in Part B of the Act shall be construed to limit the applicability of a systematic problem-solving process to children suspected of having a certain type of disability.