The State Education Department is holding three public hearings this month on its proposed regulations to implement the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the use of response to intervention, or RTI, for determining if a student has a learning disability.

The hearings will also address proposals that would establish a new minimum level of service requirements for a combination of resource room and consultant teacher services, as well as establish an integrated co-teaching service model as part of the continuum of services.

The proposed regulations are posted at www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/timely.htm.

NYSUT has been meeting regularly with SED officials to discuss the proposed regulations to ensure that they reflect what is best for our students and our members who serve them.

NYSUT will submit written testimony and will provide talking points and more information on the union's Web site to encourage members to participate.

The public hearings will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in three locations:

• Monday, April 16, at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 163 W. 125th St., 2nd Floor Gallery, New York City;

• Thursday, April 19, at The Clarion Hotel of Albany, 3 Watervliet Ave. Ext., Albany; and

• Monday, April 23, at The Classics V, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

Pre-registration is not required, but those wishing to comment must arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. Be sure to bring photo ID.

Written public comments may be submitted until May 7 to VESID, Special Education Policy, Room 1624, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, N.Y. 12234, Attn: L. Luderman. Comments may be faxed to (518) 473-5387.