Welcome to the 2010 study on Americans’ and Educators’ Attitudes About Learning Disabilities from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation

2 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Highlights Both Gratifying Trends and Troubling Trends This 2010 report on American’s and Educator’s understanding and attitudes about learning disabilities represents the fourth in a series of studies commissioned by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation since The 2010 study identified some advances in people’s understanding about learning disabilities -- and support for tailoring the educational process to match children’s differing learning styles. Yet, the poll also highlighted persistent misperceptions that present barriers for anyone interested in ensuring that children with learning differences are helped to achieve their full potential. Research Methodology This research was conducted for the Tremaine Foundation by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, May 11th through June 2nd, The general public telephone interviews were conducted among a nationwide cross-section of 1000 adults ages 18 and older, and an over-sample of approximately 700 parents of children under 18 currently living in their household. In addition, 700 interviewers were conducted among teachers and administrators.

3 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Gratifying Trends Growing Public Recognition of Learning Differences and Awareness of Learning Disabilities % Americans who say it’s accurate that “children with learning disabilities are just as smart as you and me” Q5. from what you know or have read – whether the following is completely accurate, somewhat accurate, somewhat inaccurate, or completely inaccurate?

4 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Early Intervention Large Majority Support Government Funded Pre-K Programs for Indentifying At Risk Learning Disabled Children % saying “Pre-K programs should be required” Q12a. If a proven program designed to help children at risk for learning disabilities in pre-kindergarten were developed, do you think it should be a required part of government-funded Pre-K education?

5 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Early Intervention Despite Support for Early Intervention – Many Parents Dismiss Possible Warning Signs % Parents saying how they would assess each of the following if they behavior from a typical 3 – 4 year-old child Q12a. If a proven program designed to help children at risk for learning disabilities in pre-kindergarten were developed, do you think it should be a required part of government-funded Pre-K education?

6 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Parent/Educator Disconnects Many Teachers Feel They Lack Parental Support When Working With Learning Disabled % who feel this is a major challenge for educators working with children who have learning disabilities

7 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Parent/Educator Disconnects Most Parents Say They Would Consult An Educator About Learning Disabilities -- But Far Fewer Parents Actually Do Q25a. Where did you first turn to get the information you needed? Any where else? % saying they turned to these sources for information

8 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Shared Misunderstanding The General Public, Parents and Educators Share Many of the Same Misperceptions About Learning Disabilities % think each of the following are associated with learning disabilities Q7. I am going to read a list of some conditions that may or may not be associated with learning disabilities. As far as you know or have heard, please tell me whether you think each one is or is not associated with learning disabilities.

9 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Stigma Half of Public Believes Learning Disabilities are Often Laziness Q14. I’m going to read to you a list of statements that some might say about people with learning disabilities. For each statement, please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree. % who agree that sometimes what people call learning disabilities are really just the result of laziness and are not disabilities 50%

10 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Stigma Majority of Parents and Public Blame Home Environment for Children’s Learning Disabilities % who agree learning disabilities often caused by the home environment children are raised in Q14. I’m going to read to you a list of statements that some might say about people with learning disabilities. For each statement, please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree.

11 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Educator Assessment Teachers and Administrators Feel Prepared to Deal With Students Who Have Learning Disabilities % who agree “my training and education has prepared me to deal with students with learning disabilities” Q9. Thinking of your personal professional experience, do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement?

12 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Educator Assessment Educators Say Schools Offer Training for Teaching Children With Learning Disabilities % who agree “my school/school district offers training to help me with children who have learning disabilities” Q9. Thinking of your personal professional experience, do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement?

13 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Educator Assessment Educators Believe Digital Media Can be Helpful in Teaching Children With Learning Disabilities % rate the digital media in their schools/districts as helpful in assisting children with learning disabilities Q15. How helpful do you think digital media could be in your “school’s”/school district’s” ability to assist children with learning disabilities? Please use a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means digital media is not at all helpful and 5 means digital media is very helpful.

14 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Educator Assessment Educators Say Schools Are Committed to “Response to Intervention” % saying each is a way their school/school district has invested in RTI Q12h. In which of the following ways, if any, did your school/school district invest in RTI?

15 GfK Custom Research North AmericaGfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate CommunicationsTremaine Foundation Gratifying Trends  Increasing awareness of learning disabilities  Increasing recognition of different learning styles  Strong, stable recognition of the intelligence and abilities of children with learning disabilities  Broad support for early intervention  Educators see promise in digital media Summary Troubling Trends  Persistent confusion about what exactly “learning disabilities” are – not only among the General Public and Parents, but among Administrators and Teachers as well  Stigma remains an obstacle for children with learning disabilities – and their parents

To Learn More About Learning Disabilities The National Center for Children with Learning Disabilities LDonline.org

For more information about the: Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation please visit: For press information please contact: Pattie Haubner, Douglas Gould and Company or (914)