What defines a learning disability as one?

Testing: Learning disabilities are formally diagnosed by psycheducational testing where someone with normal cognitive functioning scores > 15 points below their iq score in a particular subject. However, the term is used non-officially for someone having trouble learning a particular subject despite normal learning skills and reasonable effort. Some schools even use it for students who have general learnin.

Definition: Learning disabilities are defined as unexpected difficulties learning in a child with an average to above average iq. A significant discrepancy between iq & achievement scores on standardized tests used to determine eligilibility for "special ed." now it is determined by a student's lack of adequate "response to intervention" when educational help is provided over a specific time.

Skill weakness: A learning disability represents a weakness in a skill needed to appropriately handle an academic skill, in someone who has average intelligence.