Skip to main content

Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention for Specific Learning Disability in School Psychology

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Australian School Psychology

Abstract

Historically, the approach to specific learning disability (SLD) identification and recognition not only differs from state to state within Australia but also differs greatly from that in other countries such as the United States and United Kingdom. In actuality, SLDs have not generally been formally recognized or funded in Australian schools. Consequently, SLD identification does not regularly form part of school policy or procedure, with Australian school psychologists generally indicating minimal knowledge and skills in this area. However, community and political support for the formal recognition and funding of SLD students has been increasing in Australia more recently. It is thus timely to consider what constitutes evidence-based assessment of SLDs. While Australian psychologists appear to favor a response-to-intervention (RTI) approach to SLD conceptualization and identification, with this approach having many strengths, when used in isolation RTI is often incapable of accurately identifying SLD and differentiating it from general learning difficulties. Consequently, there have been moves internationally toward analysis of an individual’s pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, with a number of the currently available methods being based on the extensively researched and well-validated Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of cognitive abilities. By advancing our understanding of the structure of human cognitive abilities generally, CHC theory has provided a sound evidence-based framework for understanding the presentation and manifestation of SLD. Such diagnostics provide a much improved basis for the development of individualized academic interventions in support of students with SLD.

Excerpts of this chapter were adapted or reproduced with permission from Wiley. All rights reserved.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 309.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 399.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 549.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aaron, P. G. (1997). The impending demise of the discrepancy formula. Review of Educational Research, 67, 461–502. doi:10.3102/00346543067004461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Yagon, M., Cavendish, W., Cornoldi, C., Fawcett, A. J., Grünke, M., Hung, L., … Vio, C. (2013). The proposed changes for DSM-5 for SLD and ADHD: International perspectives—Australia, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46, 58–72. doi:10.1177/0022219412464353

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Australian Government. (1992). Disability Discrimination Act, 1992. Retrieved from http://www.comlaw.gov.au/series/C2004A04426

  • Australian Government. (2005). Disability Discrimination Amendment (Education Standards) Act, 2005. Retrieved from http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2005A00019

  • Australian Government Department of Education and Training. (2015, December 11). What is the nationally consistent collection of data on school students with disability? Retrieved January 22, 2016, from https://www.education.gov.au/what-nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability

  • Bateman, B. (1965). An educational view of a diagnostic approach to learning disorders. In J. Hellmuth (Ed.), Learning disorders: Vol. 1 (pp. 219–239). Seattle, WA: Special Child Publications. This needs to be added to reference list.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berninger, V. (2011). Evidence-based differential diagnosis and treatment of reading disabilities with and without comorbidities in oral language, writing, and math for prevention, problem-solving consultation, and specialized Instruction. In D. Flanagan & V. Alfonso (Eds.), Essentials of specific learning disability identification (pp. 203–232). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bond, J., Coltheart, M., Connell, T., Firth, N., Hardy, M., Nayton, M., … Weeks, A. (2010). Helping people with dyslexia: A national action agenda. Retrieved from http://www.dyslexiaaustralia.com.au/DYSWP.pdf

  • Bradley, R., Danielson, L., & Hallahan, D. (2002). Identification of learning disabilities: Research to practice. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butterworth, B., & Kovas, Y. (2013). Understanding neurocognitive developmental disorders can improve education for all. Science, 340, 300–305. doi:10.1126/science.1231022.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cadman, A. G. (1976). Learning difficulties in children and adolescents. Report of the house of representatives select committee on specific learning difficulties. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Publishing Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, J. B. (1993). Human cognitive abilities: A survey of factor-analytic studies. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ceci, S. J. (1990). On intelligence more or less: A bioecological treatise on intellectual development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ceci, S. J. (1996). On intelligence. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Commonwealth of Australia. (2015). Final report on the 2015 review of the disability standards for education 2005. Retrieved from https://docs.education.gov.au/documents/final-report-2015-review-disability-standards-education-2005

  • Cortiella, C. (2009). The state of learning disabilities. New York, NY: National Center for Learning Disabilities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cumming, T. M. (2012). The education of students with emotional and behaviour disabilities in Australia: Current trends and future direction. Intervention in School and Clinic, 48, 55–59. doi:10.1177/1053451211423810.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Decker, S. L., Hale, J. B., & Flanagan, D. P. (2013). Professional practice issues in the assessment of cognitive functioning for educational applications. Psychology in the Schools, 50, 300–313. doi:10.1002/pits.21675.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elkins, J. (2002). Learning difficulties/disabilities in literacy. Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, 25, 11–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elkins, J. (2007). Learning disabilities: Bringing fields and nations together. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40, 392–399. doi:10.1177/00222194070400050201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Firth, N., Frydenberg, E., Steeg, C., & Bond, L. (2013). Coping successfully with dyslexia: An initial study of an inclusive school-based resilience programme. Dyslexia, 19, 113–130. doi:10.1002/dys.1453.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., & Alfonso, V. C. (Eds.). (2011). Essentials of specific learning disability identification. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., Fiorello, C. A., & Ortiz, S. O. (2010). Enhancing practice though application of Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory and research: A “third method” approach to specific learning disability identification. Psychology in the Schools, 47, 739–760. doi:10.1002/pits.20501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., Ortiz, S. O., Alfonso, V. C., & Mascolo, J. T. (2002). The achievement test desk reference (ATDR): Comprehensive assessment and learning disabilities. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., Ortiz, S. O., Alfonso, V. C., & Mascolo, J. T. (2006). The achievement test desk reference (ATDR): A guide to learning disability identification (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., Ortiz, S. O., & Alfonso, V. C. (2013). Essentials of cross-battery assessment (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. M., Barth, A. E., & Stuebing, K. K. (2011). A response-to-intervention (RTI) approach to SLD identification. In D. P. Flanagan & V. C. Alfonso (Eds.), Essentials of specific learning disability identification (pp. 115–144). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. M., Taylor, H. G., Levin, H. S., & Satz, P. (1995). Neuropsychological and intellectual assessment of children. In H. Kaplan & B. Sadock (Eds.), Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry (6th ed., pp. 581–601). Baltimore, MD: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs, L. S., & Fuchs, D. (1998). Treatment validity: A unifying concept for reconceptualizing the identification of learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 13, 204–219. doi:10.2307/1511189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs, D., & Young, C. L. (2006). On the irrelevance of intelligence in predicting responsiveness to reading instruction. Exceptional Children, 73, 8–30. doi:10.1177/001440290607300101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, L., & Bailey, J. (2007). Learning disabilities and difficulties: An Australian conspectus—Introduction to the special series. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40, 386–391. doi:10.1177/00222194070400050101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greaves, D. (2000). Mapping the diversity of services and interventions for students with learning difficulties. Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 5, 34–38. doi:10.1080/19404150009546625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gresham, F. M., Restori, A. E., & Cook, C. R. (2008). To test or not to test: Issues pertaining to response to intervention and cognitive testing. Communiqué, 37, 5–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hale, J., Alfonso, V., Berninger, V., Bracken, C., Christo, E., Clark, M., … Yalof, J. (2010). Critical issues in response-to-intervention, comprehensive evaluation, and specific learning disabilities identification and intervention. Learning Disability Quarterly, 33, 223–236. doi:10.1177/073194871003300310

  • Hale, J. B., & Fiorello, C. A. (2004). School neuropsychology: A practitioner’s handbook. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hale, J. B., Flanagan, D. P., & Naglieri, J. A. (2008). Alternative research-based methods for IDEA (2004) identification of children with specific learning disabilities. Communiqué, 36, 14–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hale, J. B., Kirby, L., Wycoff, K. L., & Fiorello, C. A. (2011). RTI and cognitive hypothesis testing for identification and intervention for specific learning disabilities: The best of both worlds. In D. P. Flanagan & V. C. Alfonso (Eds.), Essentials of specific learning disability identification (pp. 173–201). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammill, D. D. (1990). On defining learning disabilities: An emerging consensus. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 23, 74–84. doi:10.1177/002221949002300201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, A. S. (2008). Neuropsychology and specific learning disabilities: Lessons from the past as a guide to present controversies and future clinical practice. In E. Fletcher-Janzen & C. Reynolds (Eds.), Neuropsychological perspectives on learning disabilities in an era of RTI: Recommendations for diagnosis and intervention (pp. 1–13). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavale, K. A., & Flanagan, D. P. (2007). Ability-achievement discrepancy, response to intervention, and assessment of cognitive abilities/processes in specific learning disability identification: Toward a contemporary operational definition. In S. R. Jimerson, M. K. Burns, & A. M. VanDerHeyden (Eds.), Handbook of response to intervention: The science and practice of assessment and intervention (pp. 130–147). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kavale, K. A., & Forness, S. R. (1995). The nature of learning disabilities: Critical elements of diagnosis and classification. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavale, K. A., & Forness, S. R. (2000). What definitions of learning disability say and don’t say: A critical analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 33, 239–256. doi:10.1177/002221940003300303.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kavale, K. A., & Forness, S. R. (2006). Learning disability as a discipline. In H. L. Swanson, K. R. Harris, & S. Graham (Eds.), Handbook of learning disabilities (pp. 76–93). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavale, K. A., Kauffman, J. M., Bachmeier, R. J., & LeFever, G. B. (2008). Response-to-intervention: Separating the rhetoric of self-congratulation from the reality of specific learning disability identification. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31, 135–150.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirk, S. A. (1962). Educating exceptional children. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klassen, R. M., Neufeld, P., & Munro, F. (2005). When IQ is irrelevant to the definition of learning disabilities: Australian school psychologists’ beliefs and practice. School Psychology International, 26, 297–316. doi:10.1177/0143034305055975.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kucian, K., Loenneker, T., Dietrich, T., Dosch, M., Martin, E., & von Aster, M. (2006). Impaired neural networks for approximate calculation in dyscalculic children: A functional MRI study. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 2, 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Learning Disabilities Roundtable. (2005, February). Comments and recommendations on regulatory issues under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Public Law 108-446. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/advocacy/2004LDRoundtableRecsTransmittal.pdf

  • Louden, W., Chan, L., Elkins, J., Greaves, D., House, H., Milton, M., … van Kraayennoord, C. (2000). Mapping the territory, primary students with learning difficulties: Literacy and numeracy (Vol. 1–3). Canberra, ACT: Department of Education, Training, and Youth Affairs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyon, G. R., Fletcher, J. M., Shaywitz, S. E., Shaywitz, B. A., Torgesen, J. K., Wood, F. B., … Olson, R. (2001). Rethinking learning disabilities. Washington, DC: Thomas Fordham Foundation. Retrieved from www.edexcellence.net/library/special_ed/index.html

  • Maag, J. W., & Reid, R. (2006). Depression among students with learning disabilities: Assessing the risk. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39, 3–10. doi:10.1177/00222194060390010201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mascolo, J. T., Alfonso, V. C., & Flanagan, D. P. (2014). Essentials of planning, selecting, and tailoring interventions for unique learners. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mather, N. (2011). Let’s stop monkeying around: What we know about reading disabilities. Verona, NY: New York Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mather, N., & Goldstein, S. (2008). Learning disabilities and challenging behaviors: A guide to intervention and classroom management (2nd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCloskey, G., Perkins, L. A., & Van Divner, B. R. (2009). Assessment and intervention for executive function difficulties. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonough, E. M., Flanagan, D. P., Sy, M., & Alfonso, V. C. (in press). Specific learning disorder. In S. Goldstein, & M. De Vries (Eds.), Handbook of DSM-5 disorders in children. New York, NY: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGrew, K. S., & Wendling, B. J. (2010). Cattell-Horn-Carroll cognitive-achievement relations: What we have learned from the past 20 years. Psychology in the Schools, 47, 651–675. doi:10.1002/pits.20497.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meteyard, J. D., & Gilmore, L. (2015). Psycho-educational assessment of specific learning disabilities: Views and practices of Australian psychologists and guidance counsellors. Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, 25(1), 1–12. doi:10.1017/jgc.2014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A. (2011). The discrepancy/consistency approach to SLD identification using the PASS theory. In D. P. Flanagan & V. C. Alfonso (Eds.), Essentials of specific learning disability identification (pp. 145–172). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. M., & Harwood, H. (2011). Learning disabilities and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44, 3–17. doi:10.1177/0022219409359939.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2013). Education at a glance 2013: OECD indicators. OECD. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/eag-2013-en

  • Ortiz, S. O., Flanagan, D. P., & Alfonso, V. C. (2015). Cross-battery Assessment Software System (X-BASS) (Version 1.0) [Computer software]. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education. (2002). A new era: Revitalizing special education for children and their families. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reschly, D. J. (2004). Paradigm shift, outcomes criteria, and behavioral interventions: Foundations for the future of school psychology. School Psychology Review, 33, 408–416.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reschly, D. J., Hosp, J. L., & Schmied, C. (2003). And miles to go…: State SLD requirements and authoritative recommendations. New York: National Research Center on Learning Disabilities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. R., & Shaywitz, S. A. (2009a). Response to intervention: Prevention and remediation, perhaps. Diagnosis, no. Child Development Perspectives, 3, 44–47. doi:10.1111/j.1750-8606.2008.00075.x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. R., & Shaywitz, S. A. (2009b). Response to intervention: Ready or not? Or, from wait-to-fail to watch-them-fail. School Psychology Quarterly, 24, 130–145. doi:10.1037/a0016158.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rivalland, J. (2000). Definitions and identification: Who are the children with learning difficulties? Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 5, 12–16. doi:10.1080/19404150009546621.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rohl, M., & Rivalland, J. (2002). Literacy learning difficulties in Australian primary schools: Who are the children identified and how do their schools and teachers support them? Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, 25, 19–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, W. J., & McGrew, K. S. (2012). The Cattell-Horn-Carroll model of intelligence. In D. P. Flanagan & P. L. Harrison (Eds.), Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues (3rd ed., pp. 99–144). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, L. S. (1999). Issues in the definition and diagnosis of learning disabilities: A perspective on Guckenberger v. Boston University. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 32, 304–320. doi:10.1177/002221949903200405.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Skues, J. L., & Cunningham, E. G. (2011). A contemporary review of the definition, prevalence, identification and support of learning disabilities in Australian schools. Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties, 16, 159–180. doi:10.1080/19404158.2011.605154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sotelo-Dynega, M., Flanagan, D. P., & Alfonso, V. C. (2011). Overview of specific learning disabilities. In D. Flanagan & V. Alfonso (Eds.), Essentials of specific learning disability identification (pp. 1–19). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanovich, K. E. (1988). Explaining the differences between the dyslexic and the garden-variety poor reader: The phonological-core variable-difference model. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 21, 590–612. doi:10.1177/002221948802101003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stanovich, K. E. (1993). The construct validity of discrepancy definitions of reading disability. In G. R. Lyon, D. B. Gray, J. F. Kavanagh, & N. A. Krasnegor (Eds.), Better understanding learning disabilities: New views from research and their implications for education and public policy (pp. 273–307). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sternberg, R. J., & Grigorenko, E. L. (2002). Difference scores in the identification of children with learning disabilities: It’s time to use a different method. Journal of School Psychology, 40, 65–83. doi:10.1016/s0022-4405(01)00094-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stuebing, K. K., Fletcher, J. M., LeDoux, J. M., Lyon, G. R., Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2002). Validity of IQ-discrepancy classifications of reading disabilities: A meta-analysis. American Educational Research Journal, 39, 469–518. doi:10.3102/00028312039002469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svetaz, M. V., Ireland, M., & Blum, R. (2000). Adolescents with learning disabilities: Risk and protective factors associated with emotional well-being: Findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 27, 340–348. doi:10.1016/s1054-139x(00)00170-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Topsfield, J. (2013, August 23). Dyslexia counted as disability under Better Schools plan. The Age. Retrieved from http://www.theage.com.au

  • Topsfield, J. (2014, July 5). Dyslexia: The invisible disability. The Age. Retrieved from http://www.theage.com.au

  • United States Department of Education. (2004). Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004, PL 108-446. Retrieved from http://idea.ed.gov

  • United States Department of Education. (2006). 28th annual report to Congress on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2006 (Vol. 1). Washington, DC: USDOE.

    Google Scholar 

  • United States Department of Education. (2008). Data analysis system. Washington, DC: IES National Center for Educational Statistics. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/das.

    Google Scholar 

  • Victorian Department of Education and Training. (2015, October 18). Review of the program for students with disabilities. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/needs/Pages/psdreview.aspx

  • Westwood, P. (2008). What teachers need to know about learning difficulties. Melbourne, Australia: ACER Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiederholt, J. L. (1974). Historical perspectives on the education of the learning disabled. In L. Mann & D. Sabatino (Eds.), The second review of special education (pp. 103–152). Philadelphia: JSE Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2006). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems 10th revision. Geneva: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ysseldyke, J. E. (2005). Assessment and decision making in learning disabilities: What if this is as good as it gets? Learning Disability Quarterly, 28, 125–132. doi:10.2307/1593610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zirkel, P. A., & Thomas, L. B. (2010). State laws and guidelines for implementing RTI. Teaching Exceptional Children, 43, 60–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kate E. Jacobs .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jacobs, K.E., Flanagan, D.P., Alfonso, V.C. (2017). Evidence-Based Assessment and Intervention for Specific Learning Disability in School Psychology. In: Thielking, M., Terjesen, M. (eds) Handbook of Australian School Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45166-4_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics