The Specific Learning Disability Guidance Document is complete. The purpose of this document is to assist schools in conducting appropriate and comprehensive educational evaluations for students suspected of having a specific learning disability (SLD). Additionally, this guidance document will provide an overview of Kentucky’s SLD eligibility determination requirements, clarify the evaluation components and criteria, and answer frequently asked questions from the field as they relate to students with a SLD. The SLD eligibility determination process is a systematic approach that schools use to determine whether a student does or does not have a SLD as defined in the state regulations. SLD means a disorder that adversely affects the ability to acquire, comprehend, or apply reading, mathematical, writing, reasoning, listening, or speaking skills to the extent that specially designed instruction is required to benefit from education. The specific learning disability (LD) may include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, developmental aphasia, and perceptual/motor disabilities. The term does not include deficits that are the result of other primary determinant or disabling factors such as vision, hearing, motor impairment, mental disability, emotional-behavioral disability, environmental or economic disadvantaged, cultural factors, limited English proficiency, or lack of relevant research-based instruction in the deficit area. 707 KAR 1:002 Section 1 (59). The intended use of this document is to assist schools in conducting appropriate and comprehensive educational evaluations for students suspected of having a specific learning disability SLD.
For additional information please contact Division of Learning Services at (502)564-4970.
We hope you find this a helpful resource.
Shasta Hensley
Office of Special Education and Early Learning
Division of IDEA Implementation and Preschool
300 Sower Blvd. 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4970 ext.4103
Shasta.Hensley@education.ky.gov