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Specific Learning Disability (SLD) Eligibility Criteria at Ionia Public Schools (IPS)

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   Specific Learning Disability (SLD) Eligibility Criteria at Ionia Public Schools (IPS)

Ionia Public Schools (IPS) works with Ionia County Intermediate School District (ICISD) School Psychologists who utilize the Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) model to determine eligibility for a Specific Learning Disability (SLD).

  • Initial Review: When a student demonstrates limited, documented progress following targeted and increasingly intensive interventions within the general education setting, a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) reviews the student's academic performance.
  • SLD Identification: An SLD may be identified when significant differences—specifically at least one area of relative strength and one area of relative weakness—are observed across two or more of the following skill areas:
    • Basic Reading
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Reading Fluency
    • Mathematics Calculation
    • Mathematics Problem Solving
    • Oral Expression
    • Listening Comprehension
    • Written Expression

Defining Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Pattern of Strength: Demonstrated when a student performs at or above the average/benchmark range compared to peers on at least three assessment measures within a skill area. This must include at least one individually administered achievement measure reflecting performance at or above the 25th percentile based on national or local norms.
  • Pattern of Weakness: Demonstrated when a student performs below age- or grade-level expectations on at least four assessment measures within a skill area. This must include at least one individually administered achievement measure reflecting performance at or below the 9th percentile based on national or local norms.

Regulatory Compliance

IPS strictly adheres to all applicable federal regulations and Michigan rules regarding comprehensive evaluations, SLD criteria, required observations, documentation, and re-evaluation procedures when determining a student's eligibility for SLD services.