The approach that replaces the discrepancy method for diagnosing a learning disability focuses on using data to identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes.

• A. RTI
• B. IQ-Achievement discrepancy method
• C. Behavioral assessment
• D. Universal screening

Answer: (A)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is the approach here. RTI uses a data-based, multi-tier framework to identify students who are at risk for poor learning outcomes and to provide targeted, evidence-based interventions before a significant achievement–ability gap is recognized. Rather than waiting for a large discrepancy between intelligence and achievement to appear, RTI relies on universal screening to flag at-risk students and ongoing progress monitoring to track how well students respond to instruction. The decisions about intensity and duration of interventions are driven by actual performance data, making the process proactive and instructional.

The other options don’t fit as well. The IQ–achievement discrepancy method centers on a measured gap between intellectual ability and academic achievement, which can delay intervention and doesn’t use ongoing progress data to guide instruction. Behavioral assessment focuses on behavior and related factors, not specifically on data-driven identification of learning difficulties. Universal screening is a component of RTI, useful for early identification, but by itself it doesn’t describe the full, data-driven approach to identifying and supporting at-risk students through tiered interventions.