What evidence would make a student ineligible for having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)?

• A. The student transferred from another school
• B. The student has an intellectual disability
• C. The student has not taken a state assessment
• D. The student frequently disrupts instruction

Answer: (B)

A student may be deemed ineligible for having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) if they have an intellectual disability. This is because SLD and intellectual disabilities are classified differently. An intellectual disability indicates a significantly impaired cognitive functioning, which impacts a child's ability to learn in a conventional manner. In contrast, SLD refers specifically to difficulties in acquiring and using academic skills despite having average to above-average intellectual abilities. Therefore, if a student has an intellectual disability, they would not fit the criteria for SLD, as the issues are attributed to the general cognitive impairment rather than specific learning differences.

The other scenarios presented do not disqualify a student from being identified as having SLD. Transferring from another school does not inherently affect eligibility related to learning disabilities. Not having taken a state assessment does not disqualify a student; assessments are only one part of a broader evaluation process. Similarly, frequently disrupting instruction could be related to a variety of factors and would not alone determine eligibility for SLD.