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What a Specific Learning Disability Is Not

Accurately identifying a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) requires ruling out other possible causes of academic difficulties, such as inadequate instruction, language barriers, cultural or environmental influences, and other disabilities. IDEA mandates this process to ensure fair and precise determinations.

When exclusionary factors are misapplied, students from historically marginalized groups may be over-identified, raising equity concerns and leading to unnecessary or ineffective services. A careful, data-driven evaluation helps ensure students receive the right support while reducing disproportionate outcomes.

This paper covers:

• Federal law requirements for exclusionary factors

• The process for ruling them out

• Key considerations for analysis

• How exclusionary factors relate to disproportionality

 

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