This model policy creates a comprehensive early literacy reading policy to ensure all students receive the support and interventions necessary to enter fourth grade as proficient readers.

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…

Learning disabilities (LDs) have long been presumed to be a neurological disorder resulting from a deficit in 1 or more cognitive processes. Although the emphasis on cognitive processing disorders has been included in the definition since the term was coined, and although it arguably represents the key distinguishing characteristic of LDs, it also…

A "big idea" is a concept that gives meaning to discrete facts. In this article, the author proposes a small number of big ideas, as well as his own views on where he thinks the field needs to move to achieve its full promise in school-based behavioral and social-emotional assessment. The three big ideas he has selected include: (1) universal…

The purpose of this article is to propose that a combined response to intervention (RTI)-psychoeducational assessment model be used for expedited evaluations required during disciplinary proceedings [Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1415(k)(5)(D)(ii)]. An expedited evaluation would determine if the child…

The author describes his model for determining severe discrepancy in children with learning disabilities (LD). The model stresses quality of data. The author also notes that the most highly trained personnel available should evaluate potential LD children. (CL)

The paper examines three models still considered useful in identifying achievement-aptitude discrepancies: the prediction model, true score regression model, and prescore partialling model. Data are cited to provide support for the regression model as the simplest to use and most efficient statistically. (Author/CL)

An assessment model is presented that provides a framework for the evaluation of young handicapped children and their families. The theoretical base of interactionism and role modeling along with the application of the diagnostic-prescriptive method provide the basis for the approach. (Author)

The problem of choosing educational and psychological tests to identify students with learning disabilities is discussed within a cost-efficiency framework. An efficiency index for estimating the classification accuracy of tests is presented and the use of expert judgment and the cost-effectiveness ratio is demonstrated with a numerical example.…

A three-stage identification process is recommended for students suspected of having learning disabilities. This process examines discrepancy, causality, and the need for special education, and it complies with legal requirements. (Author)

Due to the significant over-representation of minority students identified as learning disabled, this study investigated the effects of modifying the discrepancy formula between intelligence and achievement commonly used to identify and place school age students in learning disabled programs. Three modifications were applied to the discrepancy…

This study examined the degree to which clinicians use various discrepancy models to identify a child as learning disabled by reviewing the case files of 105 urban (predominantly African-American) children who had been classified as LD and were receiving special education. Results suggested clinicians' decisions do not reflect recommended models…

Narratives of children from different Spanish-speaking backgrounds illustrate that children's atypical narrative performance may reflect individual or cultural differences. It is suggested that static assessments may not differentiate narrative differences from disorders. A dynamic assessment model to predict the child's true language learning…

Principles of comprehensive assessment of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are examined in relation to legal compliance, special considerations for cultural diversity, medical diagnosis versus educational identification, and the problem-solving assessment model. Strengths and weakness of specific strategies are identified as…

This paper describes a model for assessing English speaking students with possible learning disabilities at a Spanish language immersion magnet school in St. Paul, Minnesota. The assessment process is based on established procedures for screening and assessment of Limited English Proficient/English Language Learners. Emphasis is on: (1) attention…