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Subject: Sound System Disorder/State
Designated Normative Data
Source: Margaret Strecker, Director, Compliance Section
Intended Audience: Special Education Directors and Coordinators
Date: September 20, 2007
Our revised Part B state regulations implementing the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), require all responsible public agencies
in the state to use "state designated normative data" when determining
eligibility for children under the category of Sound System Disorder. Below
is a link to the newly designated state normative data
http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/State_Normative_Data.pdf.
Missouri has seen a rise in the number of children identified as eligible
for speech language services. This increase appears to be connected to the
sound system disorder criteria. Missouri's incidence rate is now much higher
than most other states. Use of designated state normative data should
provide more consistent state-wide decisions on eligibility determinations
as well as better ensure that there is not an over-identification of
children as "disabled." The designated normative data is in large part that
which is used by Iowa and Nebraska - two states that have done extensive
research on eligibility criteria and incidence rates in the area of Sound
System Disorder.
It is important to remember that professional judgment can still be used
when applying the normative data. Additionally, keep in mind that while a
student may not exhibit sufficient difficulties with sounds to be eligible
under IDEA, they may still benefit from interventions provided outside the
special education arena.
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