This paper addresses the serious and pervasive problem of the mis-identification of English Language Learners (ELLs) as Learning Disabled (LD). Recent increases in immigration make this problem all the more urgent. The paper outlines problems with current methods of differentiating between learning disabilities and language acquisition processes.…

An examination was conducted to address issues concerning the assessment of students with learning disabilities (LD) in English speaking Canadian postsecondary institutions. These issues concern the nature of appropriate and evidence-based assessment and whether there is fair access to academic accommodations for students with LD. Access to…

Dyslexia and other learning disabilities are not being properly recognized and treated in our educational system or society at large. Unrecognized and untreated learning disabilities represent a serious social and economic problem, not only to the individual but to society as a whole. For example, antisocial behavior, as seen in prison populations…

Metaanalytical procedures examined the Wechsler Intelligence Scale-Revised subtest performance patterns of 36 samples of below average, normal average, learning disabled average, and above average IQ children from research. Relative patterning of WISC-R subtests as reflected in children's Bannatyne-recategorized performance profiles appeared to be…

Eighty-one fourth grade students were administered tests, tasks, and observations to investigate the relationship between IQ, rates of learning, scores on standardized achievement tests, and results of classroom observation. There was a substantial relationship between IQ, standardized tests, and rates of learning, but not classroom observation.…

In school settings, students are typically evaluated using group achievement tests, IQ scales, and college entrance exams that focus more on rote-verbal skills (e.g., vocabulary, mathematical facts) than on higher level executive functions (e.g., abstract thinking, problem solving). However, recent neuropsychological findings suggest that…

Four nomination forms were used to identify 15 intellectually gifted, hearing-impaired students, aged 5-20. Compared to controls, the nominated group had a higher mean intelligence quotient percentile and a higher mean score on the nomination forms. Each of the forms was capable of distinguishing between subjects and controls. (Author/JDD)

Two classification procedures for identifying children with reading disabilities were compared, differing in their use of intelligence quotient (IQ). Results indicated that abandoning IQ in classification had a very limited impact on the number of children identified as reading disordered, but that use of IQ resulted in more high-IQ children being…

This article discusses research on the traditional use of the IQ-achievement discrepancy to define specific reading disability. It highlights results from a study which found that IQ scores did not differentiate between poor readers who were found to be readily remediated and poor readers who were difficult to remediate. (Contains references.)…

This study examined the application of adaptive behavior assessment to a gifted population. It addressed the following questions: (1) "What is the nature of adaptive behavior in gifted children?"; (2) "With which adaptive behaviors does intelligence quotient correlate?"; (3) Are there adaptive behaviors that distinguish the…

The relationship between students' scores in verbal intelligence and creativity tests and their teachers' assessment of these abilities was studied. Results indicated negative correlations between teacher assessments and student performance. Explanations for the results may include unreliability of test instruments, inadequate pupil motivation,…

This article provides the equations necessary to derive a single composite score based on two achievement scores measuring the same discrepancy area in students with learning disabilities. Also provided are the equations necessary to determine the composite score's reliability and its correlation with an IQ score. (CR)

The factor structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) was examined in the standardization sample using new methods of factor analysis. The substantial overlap across factors was most parsimoniously represented by a single general factor. Implications for public policy regarding the purposes and outcomes of special…

Performance on one test captures neither the nuances of intellect nor the criteria for giftedness. The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) greatly enhances discourse on the nature of giftedness. The paper explains MI beyond the linguistic and logical-mathematical traditionally esteemed in schools, highlighting MI theory at one Missouri school.…

This article argues for the adoption of a 2-step procedure in diagnosing dyslexia: first, identify students with word list reading standard scores below 90, and then identify students with a reading score at least 10 points lower than expected from the full scale intelligence quotient. (JDD)