Which exceptionality must be excluded as a potential cause for low achievement before determining if a student has a specific learning disability?

To identify a specific learning disability (SLD), it is necessary to rule out other potential factors that could contribute to a student's low achievement. One of the key aspects in this determination is the exclusion of any disabilities that could inherently affect the student’s ability to learn in a traditional academic setting.

Hearing impairment can significantly impact a student's ability to process spoken information, engage in classroom discussions, and communicate effectively. This may lead to difficulties in learning and low achievement scores. Therefore, if a hearing impairment is present, it must be addressed and treated before concluding that a student has a specific learning disability. The key principle here is that the learning challenges should not be better explained by a significant underlying disability such as hearing impairment.

By establishing this distinction, educators can focus on appropriately identifying and supporting students with SLD, ensuring that interventions are tailored to their specific needs rather than being influenced by factors that are separate from learning disabilities. This comprehensive approach helps in creating an effective education plan that targets the actual challenges the student is facing in their learning process.