Which of the students described below is LEAST likely to be entitled to special education services?

• A. Amanda, who has suffered a mild brain injury but who shows no evidence of disability and performs well in the classroom
• B. Tom, who has an emotional disability and for whom classroom interventions have not been successful
• C. Sandra, who has a behavioral disability and needs a more structured classroom environment
• D. Alonzo, who has a learning disability that would require the school's curriculum to be modified in order for him to progress

Answer: (A)

Special education services are intended for students who have a recognized disability that adversely affects educational performance and creates a need for specialized instruction. Amanda has suffered a mild brain injury but shows no evidence of disability and performs well in the classroom, so there is no impairment that would require specially designed instruction. She wouldn’t meet the eligibility criteria for special education, though she might still receive general supports or accommodations if needed. The other descriptions describe conditions that commonly require targeted supports or modifications; an emotional disability with persistent difficulties despite interventions, a behavioral disability needing a more structured environment, and a learning disability requiring curriculum modifications—each of these situations is more likely to entail special education or related services.