SNOMED Terms

• Borderline mental retardation (I.Q. 70-85)

• Developmental reading disorder

• Intellectual functioning disability

• Mild mental retardation (I.Q. 50-70)

• Moderate mental retardation (I.Q. 35-49)

• Profound mental retardation (I.Q. below 20)

• Severe mental retardation (I.Q. 20-34)

Goals

• Recognize the need for high school completion or GED certificate and reenroll in the necessary courses.

• Seek out vocational training to obtain marketable employment skill.

• Increase literacy skills.

• Receive high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Establish the existence of a learning disability and begin the development of skills to overcome it.

Behavioral Definitions

• Failure to complete requirements for high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Possession of no marketable employment skills and need for vocational training.

• Functional illiteracy.

• History of difficulties, not involving behavior, in school or other learning situations

Diagnoses

• Academic Problem

• Occupational Problem

• Disorder of Written Expression

• Reading Disorder

• Borderline Intellectual Functioning

• Mild Mental Retardation

What is Educational Deficit?

The term "educational deficits" can have two meanings:

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Individual Student Level:  This refers to a situation where a particular student falls behind their peers in academic achievement or mastery of specific skills.  There can be many reasons for this, such as learning disabilities, gaps in prior education, lack of access to resources, or difficulty with the teaching style.

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Systemic Level: This refers to a situation where an entire school system or a specific population group within a system is underachieving compared to national or regional benchmarks. This can be caused by factors like inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, lack of qualified teachers, or unequal access to educational opportunities.

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Here's a breakdown of both:

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Individual Student Level:

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Indicators: A student might consistently score lower on tests, struggle to grasp certain concepts, or have difficulty completing assignments compared to their classmates.

Causes: There can be various reasons, including learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), inconsistent school attendance, limited access to educational resources at home, or even personal challenges outside of school.

Systemic Level:

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Indicators: This might be evident in standardized test scores where an entire school or a subgroup of students consistently underperforms compared to the national average or scores of students from higher-resourced schools.

Causes: Factors like lack of funding for schools in low-income areas, overcrowded classrooms that limit 

individualized attention, or a shortage of qualified teachers can contribute to systemic educational deficits.

Effects of Educational Deficits

Educational deficits can have significant consequences. Here are some potential effects:

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Individual Student Level: Students with educational deficits may experience lower self-esteem, difficulty getting into higher education, and limited career opportunities.

Systemic Level: A community with a high prevalence of educational deficits may have a less skilled workforce, lower overall productivity, and a cycle of poverty.

Addressing educational deficits requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some examples:

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Individual Student Level: Providing targeted interventions like tutoring, special education services, or after-school programs.

Systemic Level: Increasing funding for schools in underserved communities, reducing class sizes, and attracting and retaining qualified teachers.

By identifying and addressing educational deficits, we can work towards creating a more equitable and successful learning environment for all students.

How does Educational Deficits affect your life?

Here's how educational deficits can affect people's lives:

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Limited Knowledge and Skills:  Educational deficits can make it harder to learn new things and develop essential skills needed for many jobs and aspects of daily life.

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Reduced Opportunities:  People with educational deficits may have fewer opportunities for higher education and well-paying jobs. This can lead to a lower standard of living and limited career options.

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Confidence and Self-Esteem:  Struggling in school can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem. This can affect a person's motivation and willingness to take on challenges.

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Social Interactions:  Educational gaps can sometimes create social barriers. People with educational deficits may feel excluded from conversations or activities that require a certain level of knowledge.