Which student is LEAST likely to be entitled to special education services?

Which student is LEAST likely to be entitled to special education services?

• A. Amanda, who has suffered a mild brain injury but who shows no evidence of disability and performs well in the classroom
• B. Tom, who has an emotional disability and for whom classroom interventions have not been successful
• C. Sandra, who has a behavioral disability and needs a more structured classroom environment
• D. Alonzo, who has a learning disability that would require the school's curriculum to be modified in order for him to progress

Answer: (A)

The key idea is eligibility for special education under IDEA: a student must have a recognized disability that adversely affects their learning and requires specially designed instruction. Amanda has suffered a mild brain injury but shows no evidence of disability and is performing well in class, so she does not meet the criteria for special education services. The other scenarios reflect conditions that often qualify for specialized supports because they involve persistent difficulties in learning or behavior that impact schooling and typically require tailored instruction or structure. Therefore, Amanda is the least likely to be entitled to special education services.

The key idea is eligibility for special education under IDEA: a student must have a recognized disability that adversely affects their learning and requires specially designed instruction. Amanda has suffered a mild brain injury but shows no evidence of disability and is performing well in class, so she does not meet the criteria for special education services. The other scenarios reflect conditions that often qualify for specialized supports because they involve persistent difficulties in learning or behavior that impact schooling and typically require tailored instruction or structure. Therefore, Amanda is the least likely to be entitled to special education services.