Measuring the Aptitude-Achievement Discrepancy in Learning Disability Diagnosis

Abstract

Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds is the guest contributor for this issue of RASE's Focus on Appraisal column. His topic, “Measuring the Aptitude-Achievement Discrepancy in Learning Disability Diagnosis,” is one that perplexes both the scholars and the practitioners in the learning disability profession. Dr. Reynolds is coauthor of several articles and position papers that address the discrepancy issue; he recently chaired a task force that was commissioned by the U. S. Office of Special Education to examine the empirical and statistical legitimacy of several severe discrepancy formulae that are widely used in research and in public school special education programs. Dr. Reynolds is a licensed psychologist and a diplomate in clinical neuropsychology who directs the school psychology training program in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A & M University, College Station.