Specific Learning Disability

Serra De Arment; Ann S. Maydosz; Kat Alves; Kim Sopko; Christan Grygas Coogle; Cassandra Willis; Roberta A. Gentry; C.J. Butler

21 Specific Learning Disability

This section includes the IDEA definition of the disability from federal law, along with specific information about eligibility criteria in Virginia. In addition, there is information about the prevalence, causes, and characteristics of this disability, along with specific strategies and accommodations that can meet the needs of students with this disability.

Aligned Standards

CEC Initial Preparation

1.2
5.1

DEC Preparation

1.4
6.6
6.7

IDEA Definition

§ 300.8 (c) (10)

Specific learning disability—

(i) General. Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

(ii) Disorders not included. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.

Eligibility Criteria

VDOE Supplemental Guidance for Evaluation and Eligibility Virginia-specific guidance document that includes sample eligibility checklist (Refer to Table of Contents pages 2-4 and click on page number for disability category)

Advocacy organizations

Council for Learning Disabilities – an international organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and collaboration to support individuals with learning disabilities.

Division for Learning Disabilities (CEC) – Information and resources for supporting and teaching students with learning disabilities

ABOUT specific learning disability

Prevalence

National Center for Education Statistics – This site shows the most recent statistics about students with disabilities, including a chart that shows about 1/3 of all students with IEPs have a specific learning disability.

National Center for Learning Disabilities – This national organization has a broader report addressing all students who demonstrate difficulties with learning. Their executive summary states that approximately 1 in 5 children demonstrate issues with learning or attention and 1 in 16 has an IEP for a learning or attention issue. IEPs would be under the category of SLD or OHI (ADHD).

Visit the US Department of Education’s Open Data Platform to access IDEA Child Count Data by disability category, age, and other demographic and special education variables.

Causes

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – There is not one single cause of learning disabilities, but researchers suggest a range of factors, including genetics, exposure to drugs or alcohol in the womb, and early environmental exposure to toxins, such as lead.

Characteristics

National Center for Learning Disabilities – This report details some of the social and emotional characteristics and outcomes for students with learning and attention issues.

LD Online – This website provides a definition of learning disabilities in simple terms, along with additional descriptions of the types of difficulties that might be seen in school.

instructional strategies

LD Online – This website has a variety of links to instructional strategies to help students with learning disabilities, such as assistive technology, educational technology, and strategies relevant to specific content areas.

accommodations / modifications

LD Online – This website describes what an accommodation is and provides examples of accommodations that are appropriate for students with learning disabilities.

resources

PowerPoint PDF: Specific Learning Disability

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License

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Introduction to Special Education Resource Repository Copyright © 2023 by Serra De Arment; Ann S. Maydosz; Kat Alves; Kim Sopko; Christan Grygas Coogle; Cassandra Willis; Roberta A. Gentry; and C.J. Butler is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.