ERIC Number: EJ1168950
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-6819
EISSN: N/A
The Utility of the Pattern of the Strengths and Weaknesses Approach
Fiorello, Catherine A.; Flanagan, Dawn P.; Hale, James B.
Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v20 n1 p55-59 2014
Unlike ability-achievement discrepancy and response-to-intervention approaches, the processing strengths and weaknesses (PSW) approach is the only empirically based approach that attempts to identify the pattern of deficit in the basic psychological processes that interferes with academic achievement for children with specific learning disabilities (SLD). If used in combination with RTI, any child who meets PSW criteria would be more likely to be correctly identified as having SLD because both IDEA (2004) statutory (i.e., SLD definition) and regulatory (i.e., SLD method) requirements would be met. In addition, understanding a childs PSW could lead directly to differentiated instruction and targeted interventions for affected children. Although PSW research has been emerging in recent years, this is the first special issue devoted to empirical examination of the PSW method. The articles presented here attest to the value and potential of a PSW approach to identifying SLD, but the critique presented here suggests a rigid psychometric PSW approach is insufficient for identifying SLD and other disorders. Implications for clinical practice and future research will be elucidated.
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Learning Disabilities, Disabilities, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Equal Education, Models, Children, Intervention
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A