Which assessment is primarily used to determine if a child has a specific learning disability?

The Response to Intervention (RTI) assessment is primarily used to determine if a child has a specific learning disability because it is a systematic approach that incorporates regular monitoring of a child's academic performance and the implementation of tailored interventions. The RTI model involves providing high-quality instruction and interventions matched to student needs, followed by ongoing assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.

If a child does not significantly respond to these evidence-based interventions, it may indicate the presence of a specific learning disability. This data-driven, tiered approach allows educators to identify learning challenges early and address them proactively, making it a crucial tool in the identification process.

In contrast, standardized testing may provide a snapshot of a child's academic abilities but does not allow for the continuous monitoring of progress or the tailored instruction that RTI provides. Behavioral assessment focuses more on the child's behaviors rather than their academic performance, and parent interviews, while valuable for gaining insight into a child's background and context, do not serve as the primary tool for diagnosing learning disabilities. Thus, RTI serves as the best framework for identifying specific learning disabilities within an educational setting.