Does he have a learning disability? Should his teacher refer him for testing?

Do either of these scenarios sound familiar? The decision regarding whether to refer a child for testing can sometimes be a difficult one to make. There are many factors to consider, not least of which is whether child perceives a stigma attached to testing.

As a teacher of students with learning disabilities, teachers often consulted with me when they questioned whether or not to test. After looking at all facts, if there was still any doubt, I would tell them that I would rather err on side of caution. If child is not found to have a learning disability, at least we will discover his learning styles and how best to help him with his problem. If his does have a learning disability, we can proceed to get him special help he needs to be more successful in school. Either way, he wins.

And who can question a win-win situation?

For more plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.

6) Have student begin homework in class so you can check to see if he is doing it correctly before he goes home.

7) Remind student of due dates periodically. They may have it written down, but many students with learning disabilities have trouble with organization and may not have it as a current assignment.

8) Allow students to work together on homework. This can help child get reinforcement of information from his peers, and it can also help promote social skills.

9) Establish a routine at beginning of year about homework assignments. Be consistent and fair about reinforcing that routine.

10) Allow student to tell you at beginning of class time if he was not able to complete his assignment. There are valid reasons for not completing an assignment. Perhaps student just needs more reinforcement in that skill.

Ensuring that student can understand and complete assignments goes a long way toward boosting his self-esteem. He feels good because 1) he was capable of completing assignment, as did other kids, 2) he knows he has pleased teacher, 3) he has pleased himself, and 4) he has that much more information in his brain. Increased self-esteem will encourage him to take risks with searching for new answers and contributing to class discussion. And that will earn him more respect from his peers, as well as from himself. He will be a happy, successful student.

For more plain talk about learning disabilities, please visit us at www.ldperspectives.com.