ERIC Number: EJ1288179
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
EISSN: N/A
The Legal Meaning of Specific Learning Disability: The Next Case Law Update
Zirkel, Perry A.
Communique, v49 n6 p18-20 Mar-Apr 2021
After dropping steadily from 2000-2001 to 2013-2014, the percentage of students identified under the IDEA classification of specific learning disabilities (SLD) levelled off and increased slightly until the latest data available (2017-2018; NCES, 2019). Despite the recognition in the IDEA amendments of 2004 of response to intervention (RTI) as having a permissive or mandatory role in state laws for identification of SLD, a lengthening line of empirical analyses of the case law revealed a continued reliance on either severe discrepancy or, more frequently, the need for special education. These analyses also found a rather stable pronounced outcome trend in favor of school district determinations of noneligibility. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the most recent 3.5 years of case law to determine the current pattern in relation to previous trends. The specific questions were the same as in the most recent previous analysis: (1) Has the frequency of case law, including the limited but leading position of California, and the shift toward court, in contrast with hearing/review officer, decisions continued?; (2) Has the trend of district-friendly outcomes changed?; and (3) Has RTI emerged as a major decisional factor in the recent cases? [For the previous analysis "The Legal Meaning of Special Education Eligibility: The Latest Case Law," see EJ1177622.]
Descriptors: Learning Disabilities, Students with Disabilities, Educational Legislation, Eligibility, Court Litigation, Special Education, Response to Intervention, Federal Legislation, Equal Education, School Psychologists, State Legislation
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A