The screening process


Just the facts!

  • Screening tests should be quick to administer, require little if any training, and be inexpensive.

  • Screening tools cannot provide a diagnosis of learning disabilities.
    • Screening tools are designed to detect indicators of learning disabilities
    • No screening system is 100% accurate - A certain level of error is inevitable
    • Most tools may only have a maximum of 75% validity classification (75% of the time the screening tool is correct in identifying a potential learning disability)
    • Screening tools can result in a false negative (a person is identified as "at risk" when, in fact, this is not the case)
    • Screening tools can also result in a false positive (a person is not identified as "at risk" when, in fact, they may have a learning disability)
  • Screening tools do not always serve the same purpose. Tools can:
    • Determine eligibility for learning disability testing graphic of dialog bubble: Some tools may be a cross between screening and informational assessment
    • Confirm practitioner suspicions of potential learning disabilities
    • Identify learning strengths and weaknesses