Learning Disabilities

Agenda Definition Eligibility Requirements Characteristics Accommodations

Definition Specific Learning Disability = a disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes – academic areas learning disabilities can affect; Oral expression Listening comprehension Written expression Word recognition Reading comprehension Math calculations and reasoning

Definition Specific Learning Disability = a disorder in 1 or more of the basic psychological processes – Other specific areas that L.D. can affect are; Metacognitive abilities Social-Emotional abilities Memory Attention and cause hyperactivity

Eligibility Requirements Ways in which students become eligible to receive Special Education services ; – Scores show to be “at-risk” for academic failure – Failed to respond to high-quality academic instruction in the general setting – Failed to respond to multi-tier interventions – a discrepancy between IQ and academic achievement

Eligibility Requirements The Special Education Process Guide for South Carolina states recommends a two-pronged test for eligibility; (1)Does the child have a disability? (2) If so, does the child have a need for special education and related services. (pg 26)

Characteristics Unexpected underachievement Inability to generalize Immature Hyperactive Impulsive Disorganized Unmotivated Dependent Poor Meta-cognitive skills Poor Self-Monitoring Skills Poor Memory

Characteristics-Input Difficulty with: – discriminating sounds. – understanding grammar. – discriminating letters and words. – organizing learned skills.

Characteristics- Processing Difficulty with: – abstract reasoning. – problem solving. – Long-term & short-term memory. – working memory. – understanding information while processing additional information.

Characteristics- Output Difficulty with: – generalizing learned information to other situations. – recognizing and discriminating previously learned information. – identifying and performing everyday classroom tasks.

Accommodations-Some Examples Presentation: – Provide in large print – Reduce number of items per page – Present instructions orally

Accommodations-Some Examples Response: – Allow for verbal responses – Allow for answers to be dictated to a scribe – Permit responses to be given via computer

Accommodations-Some Examples Timing: – Allow frequent breaks – Extend allotted time for a test Test Scheduling – Administer a test in several timed sessions – Allow subtests to be taken in a different order – Administer a test at a specific time of day

Accommodations-Some Examples Setting: – Provide preferential seating – Provide a space with minimal distractions – Administer a test in small group setting – Administer a test in alternative test site Other – Provide special test preparation – Provide on-task/focusing prompts – Provide any reasonable accommodation that a student needs

Accommodations-In Action! Key Words! In the IEP – “Based on the student’s disability, describe accommodations needed to participate and progress in the general curriculum;”

Accommodations-In Action! “Due to AW’s orthopedic disability, the following accommodations will allow for the student to participate in the general education setting; – AW uses a computer with assistive technology to write and a portable communication device for verbal communication. – A scribe is needed for AW to take notes in all subject areas. – Verbal prompting to help her remain on task.”

Accommodations-In Action! “Due to DF’s disability in the areas of behavior, the following accommodations will allow for the student to participate in the general education setting; -Allowed to use the resource room, guidance counselor, or administrator as a safe place to de-escalate when upset. -Use of behavior plan in general education setting -Seating near teacher but with personal space from peers.”

Accommodations-In Action! “Due to WG’s disability in the areas of writing, the following accommodations will allow for the student to participate in the general education setting; -Should be given a choice of writing an assignment or using his tablet/word processor -Short answers and essay questions on tests can be dictated -Notes, PowerPoint, study guides, homework and classwork assignments should be posted on a website or Google doc”

Accommodations-In Action! “Due to EP’s disability in the areas of reading, writing, and math, the following accommodations will allow for the student to participate in the general education setting; -Oral administration on assessments above EP’s instructional reading level -Small group testing of assessments over 10 questions to minimize distractions -Copy of notes (either electronic or hard copy) -Extended time to complete classwork assignments not finished in class -Use of a calculator on classwork and assessments on math problems above Evan's instructional level.”

All These People with A Specific Learning Disability! Do you think they let their disability stop them? Thank Goodness it didn’t!

Be an advocate for all learning styles. Thank You!