Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Chapter 3
Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
IDEA Definition of Learning Disabilities
Student does not achieve commensurate with his or her age and ability in one or more several specific areas when provided with appropriate learning
experiences
– The student has participated in but does not respond adequately to a scientific, research-based intervention. (RTI)
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Learning Disabilities Definition (continued)
Oral Expression
Listening Comprehension
Written Expression
Basic Reading Skills
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics Calculation
Mathematics Reasoning
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Definition of Specific Learning Disability (continued)
Discrepancy between achievement and ability is NOT primarily the result of:– Visual, hearing or motor disability– Mental retardation– Emotional disturbance– Environmental, cultural, or economic
disadvantage
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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 © 2007 by 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 © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia
From student final PPt presentation, used with permission
Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Instructional StrategyFrom Student final PPt presentation, with permission
Multi-sensory instruction, especially kinesthetic, Reading a variety of texts Alternative presentations Assistive technology Extra time for assignments
Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Learning Disabilities & Dyscalculia
Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Instructional Strategies From Student final PPt presentation, with permission
Use visuals and key words
Use a multisensory approach: free math songs
http://www.kidsknowit.com/educational-songs/index.php?topic=Math
http://www.songsforteaching.com
Copyright © 2007 by 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 © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Instructional Strategies and Accommodations for Students with LD
No one approach is relevant for all students Provide 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 Use Advance Organizers Be creative and humorous
Copyright © 2007 by Allyn & Bacon
Common Practices that increaseAcademic Success of Students with LD
Use “Best Teaching Practices”
Direct instruction
Cognitive strategies
memory
organization
self-questioning