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Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW)


The 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) prohibited states from requiring Local Education Agencies (LEA) to use the ability-achievement discrepancy model and authorized the use of alternative approaches to the identification of students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). The use of the Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) Model for SLD identification is indicated in the revised CA Education Code. With careful consideration and research, a variety of stakeholders and educational professionals across California examined alternative SLD assessment models. The result was a decision by the Ventura County SELPA to participate in the California State SELPA Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) Pilot Project in various school sites throughout the SELPA beginning in 2010. Based on the success of the pilot, the body of Directors of Special Education for the Ventura County SELPA approved a SELPA-wide roll out of the PSW Model to begin in the 2014-2015 school year.

1.  PSW Manual
2.  Trainings
3.  Resources
4.  Psychoeducational Report Templates
5.  SLD Planning Worksheets
6. Frequently Asked Questions