Berrien RESA has adopted an Academic Achievement Pattern of Strength and Weakness [PSW] model in which multiple sources and types of data are organized and examined in relation to a student’s achievement.
Historically, a cognitive assessment had been a key component for SLD identification. Currently, within the PSW model, a cognitive assessment may be used, but primarily to rule out a cognitive impairment and/or develop intervention strategies and support. The need for a cognitive assessment should be determined based upon each unique student at the REED meeting by the evaluation team. It is important for the Evaluation Team to remember that the PSW indicator is only one of the five required elements in determining the presence of a SLD. The PSW component carries no more weight than the other factors in the determination process.
The Evaluation Team will use the following PSW worksheet to summarize and organize the data that has been gathered during the evaluation to serve as a decision-making tool. For a student to demonstrate a pattern of strengths and weaknesses, he or she shall have a least four boxes checked as an unexpected weakness in an academic area within a row [e.g., basic reading], and at least three boxes checked as a strength within a different academic area.
Please view our guidelines below.