Which instrument is used to diagnose learning disabilities and provides measures for eight IDEA areas and is matched to the Common Core Standards?

• A. Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
• B. SASSI-4
• C. MBTI
• D. CoGAT

Answer: (A)

When diagnosing learning disabilities, you want an instrument that measures a student’s actual academic performance across key areas and presents a clear profile aligned with grade-level expectations. The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement is designed exactly for that. It is an achievement battery that assesses reading, mathematics, writing, and related academic skills, producing standardized scores (and subtest profiles) across multiple domains. This detailed breakdown aligns with IDEA’s emphasis on evaluating a range of academic areas and helps identify specific strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for determining eligibility and guiding intervention and IEP goals. Because the test is structured to reflect grade-level standards, its results can be interpreted in the context of Common Core Standards, making it easier to see how a student’s performance compares to expected benchmarks.

The other options don’t fit this purpose. The SASSI-4 screens for substance use risk rather than academic achievement. The MBTI assesses personality type, not academic abilities or learning disability diagnosis. The CoGAT measures cognitive abilities and is used more for aptitude or placement decisions rather than diagnosing learning disabilities or aligning with standards.