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Determination of Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

This classification is the one that most students are classified as. The state allows two different methods to be used to determine eligibility each district must determine which method it is going to use. The method we use is called severe discrepancy model. We use a statistical formula to determine if there is a severe discrepancy between a student’s intellectual score and his academic scores as measured by standardized norm referenced individually administered tests. The difference between the two tests needs to be at the .05 level of significance. That means we are 95% sure the difference is a real difference and not due to statistical error. Using this model one would expect 8% of the school population to be eligible for services.

Determination of eligibility must include:

  • What is the specific learning disability
  • Relevant behavior noted during observation that substantiates results of individualized standardized testing
  • A statement regarding can this severe discrepancy be corrected without special education and related services

If the problem is due to:

  • Environmental (lack of stimulation or experience)
  • Cultural or
  • Economic Disadvantage

The student would not be considered eligible under this category. A student would also not be considered eligible if their difficulty in learning is due to:

  • Lack of instruction in reading
  • Lack of instruction in math
  • Limited English proficiency

For students who score above average on the IQ score their academic test scores are compared to an average IQ (100) not the above average IQ (110 and above). To be eligible the discrepancy must be in one of the following areas:

  • Oral expression
  • Listening comprehension
  • Written expression
  • Basic reading skill (phonics)
  • Reading fluency (speed and smoothness)
  • Reading comprehension
  • Mathematics calculation
  • Mathematics problem solving