What method would best prevent a student from being incorrectly identified as having a disability?

Administering nondiscriminatory tests in the student's primary language is the best method to prevent a student from being incorrectly identified as having a disability. This approach ensures that the assessment process accurately reflects the student's abilities and knowledge without being influenced by language barriers. When tests are conducted in the student's primary language, the results provide a clearer picture of their cognitive and academic skills, allowing for a more accurate determination regarding potential disabilities.

Using tests that are not influenced by language proficiency helps identify true areas of need rather than challenges related to language acquisition. This method respects cultural and linguistic differences and upholds the principle of fair assessment, which is essential in the identification process for special education services. Conversely, conducting assessments only in English or relying solely on teacher observations could lead to biased conclusions, misidentifying students who may simply require language support rather than special education services.