Resources
Definitions of Learning Differences and Developmental Delays
Learning Difference: A learning difference is a condition in which there is a significant discrepancy between measured intellectual potential and actual level of school achievement that is not due to physical, emotional and/or environmental factors.
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD and ADHD): These conditions are characterized by problems with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and other traits. The diagnosis should only be made by a developmental pediatrician or child psychiatrist after a comprehensive assessment of the child. Treatment may include medication, behavioral modification and/or counseling.
Processing Disorders: These are neurological conditions in which there is some degree of impairment in visual, auditory, spatial and/or motor functioning, which may interfere with learning. This condition is diagnosed through testing done by a licensed therapist.
Developmental Delays: These are delays in maturation of physiological, psychological, social and/or neurological development, which inhibit a child's school performance and may or may not reflect a learning difference.
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Identification of Learning Issues and Recommendations
Learning problems, which usually present themselves in the classroom, may become apparent at different stages of a child’s development or as a result of changing curriculum expectations. In some cases learning problems do not become evident until middle, high school or even college.
When problems arise, the classroom teacher consults with the parents, Department Head and Learning Services Department. In some cases parents are the first to recognize a child’s learning problem and we encourage communication with the teacher as soon as there is a concern. When appropriate, a referral is made to the school’s Director of Testing for an initial screening evaluation. The Director of Testing does a screening. Results of this evaluation are shared with parents.
Recommendations may include:
- Outside further evaluation.
- Prescribed work with Learning Services Department.
- Referral for appropriate remedial support such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists and added learning specialists.
- Outside tutorial support. These tutorials may be for academic remediation or homework assistance. Where appropriate, the Learning Services Department or school staff will help in the selection a tutor. Close communication between the tutor, academic teacher and Learning Services Department is critical.
- Assistance selecting a foreign language in Upper School.
- Attending after-school help on a regular basis.
- Attending summer school, study skills classes or a school- approved program.
School accommodations may include:
- Preferred classroom seating, grading spelling separately from content, untimed tests and using a computer for classroom writing.
- The school may recommend double sets of textbooks for specific students; this does not include literature books and workbooks.
- The use of a tape recorder for specific students must be recommended by a formal evaluation and the use must be discussed with the learning department.
The school does not provide intensive individual services such as psychological testing, counseling or extensive one-on-one remediation.
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Providing a Good Learning Environment
Most successful:
- Student maintains a strong work ethic, emphasizes strengths, and learns coping strategies.
- Faculty recognizes the need for classroom support.
- Parents recognize the need for intervention and provide appropriate support. They maintain consistency with structure at home, homework monitoring and contact with learning specialists and teachers.
Least successful:
- Student resists support, maintains modest work ethic, and is not aware of own needs.
- Faculty spends inadequate time conferring with learning specialists and parents.
- Parents choose to ignore problem because of fear of labeling.
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Web Resources
www.allkindsofminds.com
This website was created by Mel
Levine and is excellent resource. It includes a wealth of information on
the Schools Attuned program.
www.chaddnorcal.com
(Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder)
Website provides information and support for children and adults with ADD/ADHD and their families.
www.jensenlearning.com
Website for the Jensen Learning Corporation, which offers brain-based training to accelerate learning skills. Intended for teachers, parents, and administrators of all kinds of students, not just those with learning differences.
www.ldonline.com
(A service of The Learning Project at WETA, Washington, DC)
An interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children.
www.LDCA.org
(Learning Disabilities Association of California)
LDCA is an association for children and adults with learning disabilities.
www.conceptimagery.com
Lindamood Bell’s website offers help for people with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, comprehension, phonemic awareness, critical thinking, reading, spelling, and writing. The organization’s “Process-Based Learning Programs” are designed not only for individuals who are severely learning disabled, but also provide services for a full range of people up to academically gifted children ages 5 through adult.
www.NCLD.org
(National Center for Learning Disabilities)
This website provides national leadership in support of children and adults with learning disabilities by offering information, resources, and referral services; developing and supporting innovative educational programs; promoting public awareness; and advocating for more effective legislation to help individuals with learning disabilities.
www.schwablearning.org
(Charles Schwab Foundation for Learning; 650-655-2410)
From this home page, you can access information on Identifying LD, Managing LD, and Connecting with Others. Using “Askschwab” you can ask Schwab professionals questions and receive answers within 2 days. There is also “ParentBoard,” a chance to talk with other parents. Schwab keeps updated lists of literature and affiliate websites.
www.slingerland.org
(The Slingerland Institute for Literacy)
The Slingerland Institute for Literacy trains teachers and tutors to work with dyslexic students and those with reading difficulties or special language disorders. The website includes a Resource Kiosk, Research reports, Newsletters, and notes on the organization.
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Printable Resources
Click on one of the following links to download a printable PDF file.
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