Specific Learning Disability (SLD) Eligibility Criteria


Section 3030(10), Title 5, CCR: 

Specific Learning Disability is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia, and results in a severe discrepancy between his/her intellectual ability and achievement in one or more academic areas. The basic psychological processing areas include attention, visual, processing, auditory processing, sensory-motor skills, cognitive abilities including association, conceptualization and expression. 

Criteria: All elements listed below must be determined to establish eligibility. 

1. The student demonstrates a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement in one or more of the following areas and the student does not achieve adequately for the student’s age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the child’s age or State approved grade-level standards: 


2. The discrepancy is due to a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes:  


3. The learning problems are not primarily the result of any of the following: visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; intellectual disability; emotional disturbance; or, environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. 


4. The learning problems are not primarily the result of limited school experience or poor school attendance, lack of instruction, or limited English proficiency. 


5. The disability adversely affects the student’s educational performance, and requires special education to meet the student’s needs.