Part 1: Visit the LD Online website

Part 1: Visit the LD Online website and choose an article to read. Write a 1 page summary of the article. http://www.ldonline.org/educators

Part 2: Answer each of the following questions using your own thoughts and material from the textbook:

Why has the concept of learning disabilities proven so difficult to define?
Do most students who are identified as learning disabled have a true disability? Or are they just low achievers or victims of poor instruction?
What are the most important skills for an elementary-age student with learning disabilities to master?
How do basic academic skills and learning strategies relate to each other?
Should all students with learning disabilities be educated in the regular classroom?

References

http://www.ldonline.org/educators

Part 1: Summary of Article
The article “For Educators” on the LD Online website provides a wealth of resources to help teachers of students with learning disabilities. It includes sections on instructional strategies, assessment, language and reading skills, learning strategies, teaching mathematics and writing. There are also top articles on topics like professional development, building academic success for students with ADHD, helping students understand and accept their learning disabilities, and celebrating strengths of students with dyslexia. Further sections outline issues like accommodations, behavior, working with families, adolescents, special education requirements and more. Recommended external links include the Learning Disabilities Association of America, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers and other organizations supporting literacy and learning disabilities.
Part 2: Responses to Questions
The concept of learning disabilities has proven difficult to define because each student presents differently and there is a spectrum of challenges. Co-occurring disorders also complicate diagnosis and definition.
Not all students identified as learning disabled truly have a disability. Some struggle more from factors like poor instruction, cultural/linguistic differences, low motivation or temporary learning needs rather than a disability. Proper evaluation is needed. (Lerner & Johns, 2015)
For elementary students, most important skills include phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies and written expression fundamentals. Executive functioning skills also aid academic success. (Mather & Wendling, 2012)
Basic skills and strategies are interrelated and reinforce each other. For example, decoding ability impacts reading comprehension, while comprehension strategies support decoding of unfamiliar words. Students use strategies to apply skills across subjects. (Joseph & Seery, 2004)
Not all students are best served in regular classrooms. A continuum of placement options maximizes support depending on individual needs. Inclusion promotes social growth while pullouts allow intensive remediation. A hybrid model individualizes the least restrictive environment. (Friend, 2014)