Learning Disabilities Assessments: The Discrepancy Method Versus Response to Intervention Method

A Specific Learning Disability is defined as “a disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which disorder may manifest itself in imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. (IDEA Act, Sec.602(30), 2004).” It is vital that students with learning disabilities be identified and give the help they need, in order to ensure academic success and give students the accommodations they need.

The discrepancy model of assessment for learning disabilities uses academic testing and psychological testing to diagnose and assess for the presence of learning disabilities. In this type of assessment, experts are looking for “discrepancies” or differences between students with and without learning disabilities (Understood.org, 2022).

The discrepancy model of learning disability assessment relies heavily on the use of academic testing and often requires students and their families to meet with therapists or psychologists for testing. Because this academic testing is often overseen by mental health professionals, it allows for students and their families to often get a definitive diagnosis. A specific definitive diagnosis often leads to more individualized IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and therefore better classroom accommodations for students who need them.