PREVALENCE AND DEFINITIONS
CAUSES
ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION
CHARACTERISTICS
CLASSROOM ADAPTATIONS
100
Today we are going to learn about Learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities (LD) is a general term describing a group of learning problems. We will learn more in depth information on LD in the following categories; prevalence and definitions, causes, assessment and identification, characteristics, and classroom adaptations. All of the information asked can be found in your books. What is the definition of the umbrella term used to describe learning disabilities?
Learning Disabilities is an umbrella term used to refer to a group of individuals with average or above average intelligence whom nonetheless have difficulties with academic tasks.
100
The specific causes of learning disabilities remain unknown but are generally believed to be associated with brain function. What are the three main factors that have been hypothesized as possible causes of learning disabilities?
The three major factors are organic, genetic, and environmental.
100
There is controversy surrounding the identification process of students with learning disabilities. Some research suggest that there is no difference between students classified with learning disabilities and students who are simply low achievers What were the results of the meta-analysis done in 2002?
A meta-analysis compared students with learning disabilities and low achieving students in reading and found that students with learning disabilities generally scored considerably lower than low achieving students.
100
LANGUAGE AND LITERACY- Many students with leaning disabilities experience difficulties with both understanding and formulating language including; 1. Discriminating between sounds 2. Misunderstanding grammar 3. Understanding subtleties in language and 4. Word-finding abilities. Many students lack phonemic awareness, what does this mean?
Phonemic Awareness -The awareness that words are made up of individual speech sounds
100
Adapting a students physical environment can help children with learning disabilities. Give one example of adapting the physical environment for students with learning disabilities, and explain how it benefits the student.
Examples of adapting the physical environment for students with learning disabilities • Rearranging seating positions • Arrange desks away from distractions • Arrange for a quiet place in the classroom • Model organization of the physical environment • Structure daily routine and schedules
200
The Federal definition of a specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding and using language, either spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculation. Give one condition that is considered a learning disability under this definition.
Conditions that are considered learning disabilities under the Federal definition • perceptual handicaps • brain injury • minimal brain dysfunction • dyslexia • developmental aphasia
200
A child with a learning disability is thought to have dysfunction of their central nervous system specifically in the brain. Which of the three factors is most likely affecting this student?
Organic factors include indication of brain differences in size or function perhaps due to differences during the development of the brain.
200
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)- Schools are encouraging teachers to use a RTI approach when determining if a student has a learning disability. Teachers using RTI implement scientifically based practices and use curriculum based measurement to document student progress on a regular basis. What does it mean for a student to be a treatment resister and what happens to them under the RTI approach?
Students who prove to be treatment resisters (do not show adequate progress in spite of extra attention) may be eligible for more intensive intervention or referral to special education.
200
MATHEMATICS- Students with learning disabilities in mathematics may exhibit learning difficulties in math facts, rules, procedures or concepts, and in personal math such as managing money. What fraction of students with learning disabilities have mathematical disabilities specifically?
It is estimated that 2/3 of students with learning disabilities have mathematics disabilities
200
Adapting a students instructional material can help children with literacy problems by reducing the literacy requirements whenever possible. Give one example of adapting the instructional material for students with learning disabilities, and explain how it benefits the student.
Examples of adapting the instructional material for students with learning disabilities • Hands on leaning activities • Videotaped or DVD presentations • Computer simulations • Partner reading
300
Learning disabilities are the largest single learning disability area. Approximately 4.3% of all school age children are classified as having a learning disability. 47.3% of the children requiring special education services in school have a learning disability. What is the ratio of Males to Females with learning disabilities?
Twice as many males as females are diagnosed with a learning disability.
300
A student and their identical twin share the same learning disability. There is also a history of this learning disability in the student's family tree. Which of the three factors is most likely affecting this student?
Genetic factors include heredity.
300
RTI is intended to prevent academic failure through early intervention, frequent progress monitoring, and a system of increasingly intensive research based interventions for children who fail to respond sufficiently (tiers). Give two examples of how tier intensity increases if a child continues to struggle.
Examples of tier intensity increasing • More systematic and explicit instruction • More frequently implemented instruction • Instruction of longer duration • Smaller and more homogenous student groups • Instructors with greater expertise
300
ATTENTION AND MEMORY- Many students with learning disabilities have trouble staying on task. In addition they usually have deficits in both long and short term memory and in semantic memory. What is semantic memory?
Semantic memory- the ability to hold information while simultaneously processing the same, or other information
300
Adapting a students instructions can help children with learning disabilities. Instructional procedures can be adapted for the successful inclusion of students with learning disabilities. Teacher effectiveness variables can help students learn more effectively. Give one example of a teacher effectiveness variable, and explain how it benefits the student.
Examples of teacher effectiveness variables. • Maximizing student engagement • Providing structured and clearly presented lessons • Monitoring student progress toward goals
400
Schools used the presence of a discrepancy between ability and achievement to identify if a learning disorder was present. For example if a student was found to have an IQ of 101 but scored an 85 on a reading achievement test then a discrepancy of 16 points would support the assumption that the student has a learning disability. According to IDEA, schools should not use discrepancy to determine learning disabilities. What should they use instead to determine is a student has a learning disability?
According to the most recent amendments by IDEA a school is encouraged to determine whether students respond to research based intervention.
400
A student with a learning disabilities mother smoked and drank while pregnant. Which of the three factors is most likely affecting this student?
Environmental factors such as poor diet, nutrition, and exposure to toxins may contribute to learning disabilities.
400
There are different versions of Response to Intervention. Some have only 2 tiers while others have 4. A common RTI model uses the problem solving approach. Give a 4 tier example of a problem solving approach.
4 tier example of a problem solving approach • Tier 1 the teacher confers with the students’ parents to help resolve the learning or behavioral problem. • Tier 2 the teacher meets with the school assistance team to identify the problem and plan an intervention. • Tier 3 agency staff are called in to redesign and coordinate the intervention. • Tier 4 special education assistance may be required.
400
META-COGNITIVE ABILITIES- Students with learning disabilities may appear disorganized and lack an understanding of what to do or how to proceed with academic tasks. These students lack the meta-cognitive skills necessary to become successful self sufficient learners. What does meta-cognition mean and what is an example of a well developed meta-cognitive skill?
Meta-cognition refers to the knowledge about ones own learning and understanding. Skills include studying effectively, monitoring one's own understanding, wisely budgeting one's time, using strategies that help one's learning and remembering
400
Adapting a students evaluation procedure can help children with learning disabilities. Give one example of adapting the traditional test format and one example of an alternative assessment for a student with learning disabilities.
Examples of adapting the traditional test • Adapted test formats • Practice taking tests with students • Teach test taking skills • Read test items to students Examples of alternative assessments • Portfolio assessments • Performance assessments
500
RANDOM- What learning disability did Winston Churchill have?
Winston Churchill had dyslexia.
500
Exposure to toxins, prenatal and postnatal, can affect whether or not students develop a learning disability. What is an example of a toxin that could contribute to the development of a learning disability?
Exposure to toxins such as alcohol smoke and cocaine may contribute to learning disabilities.
500
There are different versions of Response to Intervention. Some have only 2 tiers while others have 4. A common RTI model uses the standard treatment protocol approach. Give a 4 tier example of a standard treatment protocol approach.
4 tier example of a standard treatment protocol approach • Tier 1 could include some specific evidence based reading practice in the general education classroom, perhaps including tutoring and monitoring student progress. • Tier 2 might include standard small group’s instructions in reading. • Tier 3 highly intensive individualized instruction based upon the students individual needs. • Tier 4 student may be refereed to special education placement.
500
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL FUNCTIONING- Many students with learning disabilities also experience social emotional problems. These problems include Low self esteem, low self awareness and perception, weak self confidence, anxiety, and depression. How many students with learning disabilities also show problems with social or emotional functioning?
as many as 1/3 to 1/2 of students with learning disabilities may also exhibit problems with social or emotional functioning.
500
Assistive technology (AT) refers to supports that help individuals maintain, increase, or improve their capabilities. An example of a low tech AT device for mobility is the cane. An example of a high tech AT device for mobility is the wheelchair Jason used last week. Give an example of a low tech and high tech AT device for a student with a learning disability in either writing, reading, or math.
Low tech and high tech AT devices for a student with a learning disability in either writing, reading, or math. • Writing- pencil grip/notebook computer and audio tape • Reading- picture cards/software like boardmaker or text readers • Math- lined or graph paper/tools with web based activities.
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