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Billy has trouble reading because of the way that he sees things. Billy
is a smart little boy…even though he can’t learn things in the same
way others do. His teacher uses some special tools with him. And soon, we
hope, Billy will read as well as anybody in his class.
What it is
Students with learning disabilities have problems learning things like
reading, spelling, writing and math. Yet they usually have average or
above average intelligence and no major physical or emotional disabilities.
Students with learning disabilities may also be irritable, overactive,
underachieve, and impulsive, or they may have problems paying attention
and remembering information. Speech, language, perceptual problems, and
motor coordination difficulties can also trouble LD students.
In some cases, the learning problems may be general, affecting all
subjects. In other cases, only specific subjects, such as reading and
spelling, may be affected.
The student with a learning disability has difficulty learning academic
subjects under ordinary circumstances, and often cannot function in a
regular classroom without support. However, he is able to learn when he
receives special help.
Student Eligibility
To be identified as a student with learning disabilities, a student
must have a major difference between their intellectual ability and their
actual achievement. For example, their level of achievement in reading,
writing and math must be below their intellectual ability, although they
have received adequate educational opportunities. Their learning problems,
however, must not be the direct result of physical or sensory disabilities,
mental or emotional impairments, or environmental, cultural or economic
disadvantage. The decision to identify students needing special education
programs is based on information from parents and a diagnosis by special
education staff members.
Services Available
Since every student with a learning disability is different, and the
severity of disabilities varies, there are three basic approaches used to
provide services: self-contained classrooms, resource rooms, and teacher
consultants. The self-contained classrooms are intensive, structured
programs designed for the student who needs a lot of assistance. Students
who need special help in just a few subjects visit the resource room
(sometimes called a learning center) for several hours each week. Teacher
consultants work with teachers to provide help for students in their
regular classrooms.
Program Location
Every local school district provides programs for LD students. Since
each district administers its own programs, each has its own approach to
providing services for these youngsters.
Where can I get more information?
Additional information about testing procedures, available services,
program design, – in fact, anything you may be curious about, is
available from your local school district
Department of Special
Education.
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