(a) A child is classified as mentally
retarded who exhibits significantly sub-average intellectual functioning and
exhibits deficits in adaptive behavior which adversely affect learning.
Adaptive behavior refers to age-appropriate coping with the demands of the
environment through independent skills in self-care, communication and play.
(b) Measurement of adaptive behavior must reflect objective documentation
through the use of an established scale and appropriate behavioral/anecdotal
records. An assessment of the child's functioning must also be made in settings
outside the classroom.
(c) Valid and reliable instruments appropriate to the age range must be used.
If they do not exist for the language and cultural group to which the child belongs, observation and professional judgement are to be used instead.
(d) Determination that a child is
mentally retarded is never to be made
on the basis of any one test alone.
