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University of the Rockies’ faculty and students were recently published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, a professional journal released by the National Academy of Neuropsychology. The journal publishes original research associated with the psychological and neurocognitive aspects of central nervous system functioning.

Students Levi Armstrong, Jackie Grimmett and Emily Inman published an abstract they prepared with faculty members, Drs. Allen Cornelius and Steven Gray. Together, the group examined the current methodology used for diagnosing learning disabilities in college-level students.

“Currently, learning disabilities in college students are documented by the discrepancy between a students’ intelligence and achievement scores on standardized measures – and nothing else,” said Armstrong. “Recent research indicates, however, that alternative methods for diagnosing learning disabilities are more effective among pre-collegiate students. Yet this discrepancy-based methodology continues to be the standard for learning disability diagnosis in college students.”

The group conducted research to test whether or not the discrepancy model is adequate in a collegiate setting. 

For this study, 48 participants were referred from a local community college to be assessed for suspected learning disabilities due to sub-optimal academic performance. Each participant was administered standardized intelligence and achievement tests in accordance with their school’s policy for documenting learning disabilities. Results from this study indicate that the discrepancy model is likely not an adequate measure for diagnosing learning disabilities in college students.

“If college students are assessed for learning disabilities via outdated methodologies they may not be granted appropriate academic accommodations, which may ultimately limit their ability to succeed in college,” explained Armstrong. “Alternate assessment measures, like the Response to Intervention (RTI) model, may help clinicians better observe the patterns related to a student’s needs, and can create a more individualized approach to recommending appropriate academic accommodations for college students.”

The research will be presented at the 31^st annual meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology in November. 

In the same issue of the Archives of Neuropsychology, alumna Dr. Linda Thede was also published. Thede’s piece was based upon her dissertation, and her study of neuropsychological and social-emotional factors that contribute to the quality of life for adults with Asperger’s syndrome.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.