Description: a 34 question screening inventory that requires the learner to answer "never, sometimes or often." The more statements that the learner answers "often" to - the more likely a potential learning disability is present. The screening inventory was designed to be used by the LDOA chapters as part of the process of deciding if an adult had possible learning disabilities and should be referred for assessment. As a screening tool, it is meant to be answered by the learner. It would be appropriate for literacy practitioners to use before referring a learner for a more in-depth interview.


Name of tool

 Criteria Evidence Limited evidence
Screening Inventory Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario Yields reliable information: the screening material reliably measures indicators of potential learning disabilities and yields consistent results (if the screening tool was given to the same person again, similar indicators of potential learning disabilities would be evident). A low standard of error should be evident.   It is not research-based. No statistical data provided.
  Is valid: The screening material adequately represents the full range of characteristics associated with learning disabilities. The screening material is consistent with what is currently known about learning disabilities. It covers a scope sufficient to provide an initial assessment in several areas such as language, motor, organization and social skills (look for a description of which learning disability indicators may be assessed with the instrument).   No statistical data provided. However, the tool has been developed by professionals who have extensive experience within the learning disabilities field.
  The tool is cost-effective including initial purchase and ongoing purchases of related materials such as question booklets, score sheets etc. No costs - just photocopying.  
  The time required to conduct the screening procedures is reasonable: it is quick to administer, score, and interpret. 34 questions that require a response - should take approximately 5 minutes to administer and 2 minutes to score and interpret No official time stated.
  The requirements for learning to use the screening tool are reasonable. Requirements may range from reviewing the instructions and user manual to participating in a training session. Practitioner would need to read through the statements to become familiar with them. No requirements stated.
  Minimize bias: The screening material accurately highlights potential indicators of learning disabilities regardless of a person's age, gender, race, ethnicity, or primary language.   No data available
  Instructions are provided on how to interpret the screening tool results/findings. It states that everyone has problems with these areas some of the time, but if there are many items to which you answer "often", it may be useful to look into the possibility of learning disabilities.  
  The tool is compatible with the goals of the organization. For example, if you serve only adults, was the test developed for adults only or if you serve a number of ESL learners, was this the intended audience for the screening tool? Provides an indication of learning disabilities - a quick screen that could be used in the intake process. It appears to be developed for adults based on the statements.  
  The format and written text follows clear language guidelines. Good use of white space. Simple language is used and good font size.  
  The tool includes information to help select possible learning materials and/or instructional practices. Provides an indication of learning disabilities. The practitioner would need to conduct further informal assessment in the challenge areas to develop learning materials and/or instructional practices. Only indicators are identified.