An Evaluation of the Identification of Learning Disabled Students in Colorado
- 1 May 1983
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Learning Disability Quarterly
- Vol. 6 (2) , 115-127
- https://doi.org/10.2307/1510789
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the process whereby children are identified as learning disabled (LD) and the validity of subsequent educational placements: (a) a representative sample of 1,000 cases were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively; (b) extensive questionnaires were administered to professionals involved in LD identification; (c) definitions and assessment procedures were evaluated. Only 28% of the LD cases met strict criteria for LD; another 15% showed weak signs of the handicap. The remaining 57% currently in1 LD programs were better described by other indicators such as non-English dominant (7%), other handicaps (10%), slow learners (11%), minor behavior problems (4%), etc. The costs of LD identification were found to be excessive; each year almost half of the resources available for LD pupils was spent on assessment and staffing. Policy implications are discussed.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- Specialists' Use of Tests and Clinical Judgment in the Diagnosis of Learning DisabilitiesLearning Disability Quarterly, 1983
- Similarities and Differences Between Low Achievers and Students Classified Learning DisabledThe Journal of Special Education, 1982
- Declaring Students Eligible for Learning Disability Services: Why Bother with the Data?Learning Disability Quarterly, 1982
- A New Definition of Learning DisabilitiesLearning Disability Quarterly, 1981
- The Severely Learning Disabled: Neglected or Forgotten?Learning Disability Quarterly, 1981
- Characteristics of Children Labeled and Served as Learning Disabled in School Systems Affiliated With Child Service Demonstration CentersJournal of Learning Disabilities, 1980
- The Learning-Disabilities Test Battery: Empirical and Social IssuesHarvard Educational Review, 1978
- Characteristics of Children Enrolled in the Child Service Demonstration CentersJournal of Learning Disabilities, 1975