Standard Deviations and LD

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

I’m new to this board and am in very urgent need to find out what laws (Federal or State (esp. California) or other widely accepted standards, deal specifically with the use of standard deviations of 1.5 between IQ and Achievement tests in order to be considered Learning Disabled.

Thanks for in advance for your help.

Submitted by geodob on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 5:06 AM

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Hi APerson,
Here’s a link to a page on Wrightslaw, where you find link to more information:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/tests_measurements.html

Submitted by APerson on Sat, 09/29/2007 - 9:39 PM

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Thanks for the link, Geodob. Unfortunately, it doesn’t specifically state the information I need about the use of 1.5 standard deviations as the cutoff point for making the determination that someone has a learning disability. I especially need a source for the use of this figure in making such a diagnosis as it pertains to adults. Thanks again.

Submitted by Aly on Sun, 09/30/2007 - 1:51 PM

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Under IDEA, if testing is used, several instruments and procedures must be used to eliminate bias and to gather information about the student. These procedures must be research based.

In the past, 2 standard deviations was the measure used if the discrepancy model is used. However, some states, knowing this is not an exact and that kids below this may need help too, make their cut off less. BTW, the discrepancy model is no longer included in the definition in IDEA 2004 for a specific learning disability (SLD). They encourage the use of response to intervention and research based practices for identification. However, how an adult is diagnosed would be different, since an adult is not under IDEA any more, but under ADA and 504

You might search the California department of education web site for their rules on adults. You may also check out the US goverment department of education site and look up 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act.

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