Learning disabilities are extremely prevalent in todays society. They affect a variety of members of society to different degrees. No particular aspect of society is immune from learning disabilities, although some particular groups are more likely to experience learning difficulties than other groups are. Students with learning disabilities make up quite a large proportion of students, particularly in urban schools or schools in low socoeconomic areas. Fortunately, there are many ways to help students with learning disabilities get the most of school and learning.
Students with learning disabilities are sometimes placed in mainstream classrooms, or may be placed in special streamed classes. Often, this depends on the type of disability the student exhibits. However, it may also be related to the particular resources available to a given school. For example, a very small school may not be able to accommodate special classes. On the other hand, some schools may prefer a more inclusive approach where students with learning disabilities are placed in mainstream classrooms.
Students who have been diagnosed as having learning difficulties or learning difficulties may need specialized, individualized instruction. This type of instruction is specially tailored to their particular learning needs. Some students may need a curriculum that is only slightly different from the mainstream curriculum, while others may need a specialized learning plan that is substantially different. The learning plan will often depend on the particular student. For example, some students may have communication difficulties, while others may have behavioral difficulties. The first group of students may need instruction tailored to improve their communication skills, while the second may need help in developing appropriate classroom behavior skills.
Students with learning disabilities should never be treated as extraneous or unwelcome. Instead, schools should make an effort to include these students as much as possible. They should encourage a welcoming school culture that helps to engage not only students with learning disabilities, but their families, too. These students can be a valuable part of a school environment, and should be appreciated and included. Students with learning difficulties or disabilities should not be considered in terms of deficit thinking. That is, a type of thinking where what is considered is what the student cant achieve. Instead, schools and teachers should make an effort to identify these students particular skills and abilities. These skills and abilities should be encouraged while their weaker skills or particular difficulties are addressed and built upon. These students can benefit substantially from an approach that treats them as merely a student who needs a curriculum with slightly different emphases, rather than as a student who is disabled in some sense.
Students with learning difficulties may require additional resources, or the help of specially trained teachers or aides. A school may need to take this into account when enrolling such students. In addition, the school should ensure that it has a program in place to ensure that students with special learning needs are able to access a high quality education like all other children in the school.