ERIC Number: EJ990476
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-6819
EISSN: N/A
Specific Learning Disability Identification: What Constitutes a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses?
Schultz, Edward Karl; Simpson, Cynthia G.; Lynch, Sharon
Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v18 n2 p87-97 Sum 2012
The 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and subsequent regulations published in 2006 have significantly changed the identification process for students suspected of having specific learning disabilities. Rather than using a discrepancy model contrasting intellectual and achievement test results, assessment specialists now incorporate a variety of methods to identify specific learning disabilities, including response-to-intervention, cognitive processing approaches, and the determination of a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. This article proposes a theoretical structure for determining specific learning disabilities using a pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Methods of examining multiple sources of data to demonstrate a pattern of strengths and weaknesses are discussed so that assessment teams can determine if the data converge to indicate a specific learning disability. (Contains 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Disability Identification, Learning Disabilities, Achievement Tests, Response to Intervention, Test Results, Federal Legislation, Educational Legislation, Cognitive Processes, Mental Retardation, Reading Comprehension, Scores, Standardized Tests, Identification
Learning Disabilities Association of America. 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Tel: 412-341-1515; Fax: 412-344-0224; e-mail: info@ldaamerica.org; Web site: http://www.ldaamerica.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A