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Lynn and Doug Fuchs
Researchers, National Center for Response to Intervention
For 40 years, the 2 million kids in special education programs have been diagnosed by poor classroom performance. But often these children must “wait to fail” to get the services they need. An estimated 15 million more continue to struggle in mainstream classrooms. The Fuchs have changed that with their early screening process, which screens all children using a host of standardized tests, reading and math assessments and oral skills to determine their risk of learning disabilities. They found 20% of children are at risk for severe difficulties, but all but 5% of these respond to their brand of intensive tutoring and return to typical classrooms. Their approach has reduced the number of kids enrolled in costly special needs classes.