Chapter Six
Individuals with
Learning Disabilities
Defining Learning Disabilities
Criteria for Diagnosis includes:
Child does not achieve at expected age and ability
levels
A severe discrepancy is present between a childs
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
Student does not respond to Response to
Intervention (RTI) strategies
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Common Components of
Definitions of Learning Disabilities
Brief History of the Field
Prevalence of Learning Disabilities
Estimates
range from 1 to 30% of the
school population
The federal government (2007)
suggested that approximately 2.78
million students ages 6 to 21 were
identified as having learning disabilities
The number of students identified with
learning disabilities has increased over
the years
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Suspected Etiologies of Learning
Disabilities
Acquired
trauma to the central
nervous system
Genetic/hereditary influences
Biochemical abnormalities
Environmental possibilities
Characteristics of Individuals
with Learning Disabilities
Hyperactivity
Perceptual-motor impairments
Emotional lability
Coordination problems
Attention disorders (ADHD)
Impulsivity
Memory disorders
Academic difficulties
Social skills deficits
Information processing difficulties
Lack of cognitive strategies for success (metacognition)
Language (reading, writing, speaking) and math
deficits
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Language Difficulties
Comprehension
Decoding
Word recognition
Phonological awareness
Dyslexia
Spelling
Writing
Organizing thoughts into words (written or
spoken)
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Mathematics Difficulties
Computational
skills
Word
problems
Spatial relationships
Writing numbers
Copying shapes
Understanding mathematical
concepts
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Assessment of Students
with Learning Disabilities
IDEA
requires a multidisciplinary
evaluation:
Tests are administered by trained
professionals
Tests are reliable and valid
Tests are not discriminatory
Tests are administered in the students
native language
A single measure cannot be used to
determine eligibility
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Response to Intervention (RTI)
States
have the option to use a
discrepancy model to determine
eligibility or they may implement RTI
strategies.
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.
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Response to Intervention (RTI)
Model
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Assessment Strategies
Norm-referenced
assessment
Criterion-referenced assessment
Curriculum-based assessment
Portfolio assessment
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Educational Considerations
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Approaches to Teaching Academic
Skills
Cognitive
training
Help students learn new ways to complete
tasks and think about their learning
Direct
instruction
Teacher-directed lessons that provide step-bystep explicit instruction
Learning
strategies
Teach students how to find and learn new
information
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Suggestions for Teachers who have
Students with Learning Disabilities
Capitalize
on students strengths
Provide clear expectations and structure
Use simple sentences and vocabulary
Provide opportunities for success
Allow flexibility in classroom procedures
Use self-correcting materials
Provide positive reinforcement
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Common Characteristics of
Preschoolers who are At-Risk for Later
Classification
of a Learning Disability
Poor depth
perception
Toe walking
Distractibility
Short attention span
Impulsiveness
Hyperactivity
Poor motor control
Delayed speech
Use of jumbled words
Limited vocabulary
Difficulty focusing
Memory problems
Immaturity
Difficulty following
simple directions
Problems
understanding
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Transition into Adulthood
Transition planning requirements:
Vocational training
Preparation for post secondary
education
Employment possibilities
Independent living
Social skills
Self-determination skills
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Adults with Learning Disabilities
Supports
and modifications needed
for college success
Time management issues
Organizational skills
Self-discipline
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Family Issues
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 childs
behavior
Devote time and attention to their family
members
Make a life for yourself
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Students with Learning Disabilities by
Race/Ethnic Category
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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.
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Trends, Issues, and Controversies
Full
Inclusion Movement
Educational Reform Movement
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