Defining
Learning Disabilities
Criteria
for Diagnosis includes:
n Child does not achieve at expected
age and ability levels
n A severe discrepancy is present
between a child’s achievement and potential in one or more of the following
areas:
Oral
expression
Listening
comprehension
Written
expression
Basic
reading skills
Reading
comprehension
Mathematics
calculation
Mathematic
reasoning
Prevalence
of Learning Disabilities
n Student does not respond to Response
to Intervention (RTI) strategies
n Prevalence of Learning Disabilities
n Estimates range from 1 to 30% of the
school population
n The federal government (2007)
suggested that approximately 2.78 million students ages 6 to 21 were identified
as having learning disabilities
n The number of students identified
with learning disabilities has increased over the years
Suspected Etiologies of Learning Disabilities
n Acquired trauma to the central
nervous system
n Genetic/hereditary influences
n Biochemical abnormalities
n Environmental possibilities
Characteristics of Individuals
with Learning Disabilities
with Learning Disabilities
n Hyperactivity
n Perceptual-motor impairments
n Emotional lability
n Coordination problems
n Attention disorders (ADHD)
n Impulsivity
n Memory disorders
n Academic difficulties
n Social skills deficits
n Information processing difficulties
n Lack of cognitive strategies for
success (metacognition)
n Language (reading, writing,
speaking) and math deficits
Response to Intervention (RTI)
n States have the option to use a
discrepancy model to determine eligibility or they may implement RTI
strategies.
n RTI is generally a process that
increases the levels of instructional interventions provided in the regular
classroom. Students who do not meet with
success with intensive interventions may have a learning disability.
Assessment Strategies
n Norm-referenced assessment
n Criterion-referenced assessment
n Curriculum-based assessment
n Portfolio assessment
Approaches to Teaching Academic Skills
n Cognitive training
–
Help
students learn new ways to complete tasks and think about their learning
n Direct instruction
–
Teacher-directed
lessons that provide step-by-step explicit instruction
n Learning strategies
–
Teach
students how to find and learn new information
Suggestions
for Teachers who have Students with Learning Disabilities
n Capitalize on student’s strengths
n Provide clear expectations and
structure
n Use simple sentences and vocabulary
n Provide opportunities for success
n Allow flexibility in classroom
procedures
n Use self-correcting materials
n Provide positive reinforcement
Common
Characteristics of Preschoolers who are At-Risk for Later Classification
of a Learning Disability
of a Learning Disability
n Use of jumbled words
n Limited vocabulary
n Difficulty focusing
n Memory problems
n Immaturity
n Difficulty following simple
directions
n Problems understanding
n Poor depth perception
n Toe walking
n Distractibility
n Short attention span
n Impulsiveness
n Hyperactivity
n Poor motor control
n Delayed speech
Transition
into Adulthood
Transition
planning requirements:
–
Vocational
training
–
Preparation
for post secondary education
–
Employment
possibilities
–
Independent
living
–
Social
skills
–
Self-determination
skills
Adults with
Learning Disabilities
n Supports and modifications needed
for college success
n Time management issues
n Organizational skills
n Self-discipline
Family
Issues
n Lerner and Kline (2006) offer the
following recommendations for parents of children with learning disabilities:
–
Become
an informed consumer
–
Be
an assertive advocate
–
Be
firm yet empathetic in managing a child’s behavior
–
Devote
time and attention to their family members
–
Make
a life for yourself
Technology
and Individuals with Learning Disabilities
The use of
technology has been a great benefit to people with disabilities including those
with learning disabilities. Students
with learning disabilities are increasingly making use of technology to assist
them in achieving academic success including word processing, the internet,
videodiscs, CD-ROMS, and hypermedia.
Trends,
Issues, and Controversies
n Full Inclusion Movement
n Educational Reform Movement
