copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Chapter 2 Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Learning Disabilities Definitions and Types IDEA Definition –Student does not achieve commensurate with his or her age and ability level in one or more several specific areas when provided with appropriate learning experiences –The student has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in one or more of seven areas…

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Learning Disabilities Definition (continued) Oral Expression Listening Comprehension Written Expression Basic Reading Skills Reading Comprehension Mathematics Calculation Mathematics Reasoning

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Definition of Specific Learning Disability (continued) A student is not regarded as having a specific learning disability if the discrepancy is primarily the result of: –Visual, hearing or motor disability –Mental retardation –Emotional disturbance –Environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Characteristics of Students with LD Most students with LD seem more different than alike. –Overriding characteristics: Unexpected difficulty or low performance in one or more academic areas Ineffective or inefficient information processing or learning strategies in the area(s) of difficulty

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Types of Learning Disabilities Dyslexia –Severe difficulty in learning to read, particularly with decoding and spelling Dysgraphia –Severe difficulty learning to write, including handwriting Dyscalculia –Severe disability in learning mathematical concepts and computation

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Reading Difficulties Reading difficulties are evident in over 85% of students with LD (Lyon, 1999) Difficulties are associated with –Phonemic awareness –Alphabetic principle –Rapid naming

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Why the Increase in the Prevalence of Learning Disabilities? (Hallahan, 1992; Lerner, 2001) Growing public awareness of LD Greater social acceptance Limited alternatives for other students at- risk Social and cultural influences on central nervous system integrity Increasing needs for literacy at work and daily life

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Instructional Techniques and Accommodations for Students with LD Tips to Remember –No one approach is relevant for all students –Use “Best Teaching Practices” Overview of lesson or unit Use Visuals (I.e., overhead projector) Organize learning activities and working groups Relate the learning to the students’ daily lives Be creative and humorous

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Definition –Two types Inattention Hyperactivity-Impulsivity DSM-IV Classification –ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type –ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type –ADHD, Combined Type

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Inattention Refers To: Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following: –Failing to pay close attention to details and making careless mistakes that are inconsistent with child’s developmental level –Failing to sustain attention to tasks and/or play activities

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Inattention Refers To (continued) –Failing to listen, even when spoken to directly –Failing to complete tasks –Having difficulty with organization –Resisting to work on tasks that require sustained attention –Losing materials and objects –Becoming easily distracted –Being forgetful

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Hyperactivity Refers To Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following: –Hyperactivity Fidgeting or squirming Having a difficult time remaining and seated in class Running or climbing excessively when it’s not appropriate Having difficulty playing quietly Acting a though he/she is “driven by a motor” Talking too much

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Impulsivity Refers To Consistent (over 6 months) and highly inappropriate levels of at least six of the following: –Blurting out answers –Difficulty waiting for their turn –Interrupting others or butting into activities Onset of inattention and/or hyperactivity should be present before age 7 and in two or more separate settings.

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Core Characteristics of ADHD Poor sustained attention or vigilance Impulsive or poor delay of gratification Hyperactivity or poorly regulated activity Diminished rule-governed behavior Increased variability of task performance

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Educational Interventions Use novelty in instruction and directions Maintain a schedule Prepare students for transitions and provide support in completing transitions Emphasize time limits

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Educational Interventions Provide organizational assistance Provide rewards consistently and often Be brief and clear Arrange the environment to facilitate attention Provide optimal stimulation Allow for movement and postures other than sitting

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Educational Interventions Keep homework assignments separate from unfinished school work Use homework as practice for materials that have already been taught Identify the minimum amount to demonstrate learning Provide timelines for tasks associates with long-term assignments

copyright (c) 2003 Allyn & Bacon Medication as Treatment Stimulant medication Ritalin Dexadrine Adderall Cylert Concerta Medication is only one aspect of a treatment plan