• The screening tool should minimize bias. The screening material must accurately highlight potential indicators of learning disabilities regardless of a person's age, gender, race, ethnicity, or primary language.
• Instructions should provide information on how to interpret the screening tool results/findings.
• The screening tool should be compatible with the goals of the organization. For example, if an organization serves only adults, the screening tool used should be developed for use with adults only. Similarly, if an organization serves an ESL clientele, then the screening tool should be geared to the needs of that client group.
• The format and written text of the screening tool should follow clear language guidelines.
• The screening tool should include information to help select possible learning materials and/or instructional practices and strategies.

Discussion questions:

• What criteria would be most important to you if you were reviewing or selecting existing or potential screening tools?
• Are there other factors that would affect your decision on what tools to select?

Screening tools evaluated by Literacy Link South Central

Both commercial and non-commercial (accessible online or have minimal cost) screening tools were included in the rating process. The identification of the tools was accomplished by conducting an extensive Internet search, accessing AlphaPlus and Learning Disability Association of Ontario (LDAO) resources, posting an information request on the Literacy Forum discussion and by consulting with external evaluators. To access an evaluation for each tool, refer to Chapter Two Appendix A.