Special Education Each school district and public school academy in Michigan is required to publicly post the process it uses to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) for Special Education eligibility. Consistent with the requirement, the Oakridge Public School District reports the following: For determination of a SLD, a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) is currently used in all buildings, at all grade levels. In order for a child to be eligible, s/he must meet the following criterion as part of the determination process: Exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, Michigan grade-level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined to be relevant to the identification of a specific learning disability. Assessment that addresses each of the areas above must be conducted to meet the federal requirement for a full and individual evaluation. For further information, please review the following: MAISD’s Students with Learning Disabilities: Criteria for Identification