Which criterion relates to having a learning disability under IDEA when assessing students with average IQ?

The criterion that relates to having a learning disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes that there must be evidence of a failure to achieve academically in addition to the presence of a discrepancy between a student's intellectual ability and their academic performance. This means that for students with average IQ scores, it is essential to observe a significant gap between their potential (as indicated by IQ) and their actual performance in academic areas.

In practice, this criterion helps to identify students who may not reach their full potential despite having average cognitive ability. Thus, simply having a discrepancy, which measures the difference between ability and achievement, is not enough for a diagnosis. Evidence of failure to achieve in key academic areas is crucial in determining the presence of a learning disability, aligning with the expectation that educational support is needed to help bridge this gap. This dual requirement helps ensure that students receive appropriate interventions tailored to their unique learning needs.