Learning Disabilities
A learning disability is a disorder that affects a person's ability to interpret what they see and hear, or to link information from different parts of the brain. The most common learning disability is difficulty with language and reading. For more detailed information, please visit our sister site, LDOnLine.org, the world's leading website on learning disabilities.
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Adolescent Literacy and Older Students with Learning Disabilities
This report describes the adolescent literacy problem (grades 4 to 12), its consequences, and contributing factors. Guiding principles for assessment, instruction, and professional development, as well as recommendations for short-term and future consideration, are also addressed.
Attending Meetings to Plan Your Child's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
This checklist prepared by the PACER Center will help parents prepare for and get the most out of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings with school staff.
Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges
Timmons, J., Podmostko, M., Bremer, C., Lavin, D., & Wills, J. (2005). Career planning begins with assessment: A guide for professionals serving youth with educational & career development challenges (Rev. Ed.). Washington, D.C.: National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Institute for Educational Leadership. Available at www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/manuals.php.
How do you determine when a youth would benefit from assessment to determine the presence of a disability, and where can you find good career-related assessments? This guide, created by the National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth, answers those questions and contains in-depth information on the types and uses of assessment; special considerations when testing; and organizational concerns, such as collaboration agreements, ethics, confidentiality and legal issues. It also includes quick reference charts, tables, and sample forms that aim to save time for counselors, career advisors, and other professionals who work directly with youth.
Clues to Dyslexia in Young Adults and Adults
Learn about how the specific signs of dyslexia, both weaknesses and strengths, in any one individual will vary according to the age and educational level of that person.
Designing a Dossier — An Instruction Book for Your Child
Many of the adults in your child's life are unfamiliar with learning disorders in general, or your child's unique pattern of strengths and limitations. Help their babysitters, coaches, teachers, church personnel, bus drivers, school support staff, dentists, barbers, neighbors, and relatives understand their limitations. Develop a short one- to three-page dossier that provides useful information about your child. This article describes key elements of such a document, and provides a sample.
Dyslexia and High School
A dyslexia expert observed her student trying to learn at school. She provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes description of his struggle. This article has numerous proven examples of differentiating instruction and accommodating a student to succeed.
Five Homework Strategies for Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities
Many students with learning or reading disabilities find homework challenging. Here are five research-based strategies that teachers can use to help students.
Grouping Students Who Struggle With Reading
There are a variety of grouping formats that have been proven effective for teaching reading to students with learning disabilities: whole class, small group, pairs, and one-on-one. This article summarizes the research and implications for practice for using each of these grouping formats in the general education classroom.
Having Your Child Tested for Learning Disabilities Outside of School
Children who struggle with reading often need extra help. This help usually comes from the school, but some parents choose to look outside of the school for professionals who can assess, diagnose, tutor, or provide other education services. The following article provides information on how to find the right person for your child.
How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children
As your child's best advocate, you are in a unique position to identify and implement positive changes. This article gives advice on how to be effective. You should know the rules, keep records, gather information, and communicate effectively.