Addressing Learning Disabilities and Difficulties
How to Reach and Teach Every Student

Edited by:

Gilbert Guerin - San José State University, USA
Mary C. Male - San José State University, USA

Other Titles in:
At-Risk | Learning Disabilities | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles

November 2005 | 184 pages | Corwin

Help children with learning difficulties or learning disabilities excel in the general education classroom!

Help struggling students avert failure before it becomes chronic and destructive to their self-esteem and motivation! Drawing from the collective experience of professionals and parents who have successfully worked with students with learning disabilities and difficulties, and including the latest information from IDEA 2004 and NCLB, this revised edition of I Can Learn provides a wealth of best practices and policies specifically designed to help these students not only participate in but also excel in the general education classroom. Readers will discover:

Characteristics of specific learning and performance difficulties and disabilities
Strategies to improve learning skills such as listening comprehension, ability to pay attention, mathematical reasoning, and reading word recognition
Strategies to enhance spelling, verbal and written expression, test-taking, and appropriate social behavior
Information about the referral process, determination of eligibility for special services, and provision of services to students with specific learning disabilities
School practices that support the success of all students

This clear and concise reference offers educators and parents the support and tools they need to reduce special education referrals and help all students experience successful outcomes!

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781412925617	Hardcover	Suggested Retail Price: $87.95	Bookstore Price: $70.36
ISBN: 9781412925624	Paperback	Suggested Retail Price: $39.95	Bookstore Price: $31.96

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Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Editors

1. Introduction

Some Background of Difficulties With Children’s Learning and Performance

Complexity of Learning and Performance Difficulties

Basic Assumptions

Approaches to Children’s Difficulties in Learning and Performance

Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Addressing Learning Disabilities and Difficulties

Parts I and II: Their Content and Purpose

Ways to Use This Handbook

Summary

Part I: Learning Difficulties and Teaching Strategies

2. Strategies to Improve Learning Skills

Listening Comprehension

Ability to Pay Attention

Organizational Skills

Retention and Retrieval of Material

Productivity

Mathematical Computations and Operations

Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving

Reading Word Recognition

Reading Comprehension

Summary

Intervention Plan

3. Strategies to Improve Performance Skills

Verbal Expression

Handwriting and Copying

Spelling

Written Expression

Test Taking

Appropriate Social Behavior

Summary

Intervention Plan

Part II: The Special Education Referral Process

4. Referral and Eligibility

Documentation of Adaptations

The Referral Process

The Evaluation Process

Parents’ Rights

Eligibility and Specific Learning Disabilities

Summary

5. The Individualized Education Program

Intent of the IEP

IEP Meeting

Content of the IEP Document

The Positive Behavioral Intervention Plan

Placement in Alternative Education Setting

Reviews and Reevaluations

Summary

6. Options for Service Delivery

Continuum of Program Options

Service Delivery Models

Strategies and Programs for School Sites

Summary

Afterword

Glossary

Resource A: Characteristics and Criteria for Identifying Students With Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Attentional Disorders, and Behavioral Problems

Resource B: Selected Internet Sites

Resource C: Agencies and Organizations

Selected References

Index

"This quick reference reflects 2004 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and recent developments for working with children and youth with learning disabilities and learning differences."
—From the Preface

From the Preface

Key features

Distinguishes learning difficulties from learning disabilities
General screening strategies for specific learning disabilities (so students can be referred to specialist for further testing)
Specific strategies to improve learning skills such as listening comprehension, attention span, retention and retrieval of material, mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension and more
Numerous strategies to improve performance skills such as verbal expression, spelling, test taking and more
Classroom management strategies for the inclusive classroom
Overview of referral and evaluation procedures
Components of a successful individualized education program (IEP)
Discussion of program options, service delivery models, and strategies and programs for school sites (such as peer tutoring, service learning and collaborative staff development)
Glossary of Special Education terms
Agencies, Organizations and Websites for further research