When a student shows high ability in some areas but significant deficits in others, what approach helps determine eligibility and supports?

• A. Conduct a pattern-of-strengths-and-weaknesses evaluation and triangulate with multiple measures
• B. Use a single test and rely on teacher judgment
• C. Immediately place in special education without further data
• D. Focus only on deficits

Answer: (A)

When a student shows strong performance in some areas but clear weaknesses in others, the best approach is to use a pattern-of-strengths-and-weaknesses evaluation and confirm findings with multiple measures. This means looking at how abilities differ across domains and gathering evidence from various sources—standardized tests, curriculum-based assessments, classroom observations, and data from interventions—to build a complete picture. By triangulating information, you can determine whether the weaknesses reflect a true learning need that warrants supports and ensure that the student’s strengths are also recognized and leveraged. This data-rich approach reduces the risk of misidentifying a disability that isn’t really present or missing a real need because of overreliance on a single score or a single professional’s judgment.

Relying on a single test and teacher judgment can be biased or incomplete, missing important patterns across contexts. Placing a student in special education without thorough data ignores the requirement for careful, evidence-based decisions. Focusing only on deficits neglects strengths that could inform effective, targeted supports and may lead to less successful outcomes.