*IDEA definition of Learning Disabilities:*

Children who have a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written. The disorder may manifest itself through the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or doing mathematical calculations.

Referral Questions:

• Which areas of learning is the student successful in and which areas is the student having difficulties?
• What are the achievement levels in all academic areas of learning?
• How does the student compare with other students?
• Are there any factors that might be contributing to the learning problems?
• Are the student’s first language and language of instruction the same?
• What learning strategies does the student currently use?
• How does the student perceive him or herself as a learner?
• What is the student’s attitude toward school and learning?
• What strategies and accommodations have been tried?

Teaching Strategies/Accommodations:

• Provide a framework for learning (advance organizers)
• Model processes and strategies (apprentice model)
• Teach in small groups
• Teach self-regulation and self monitoring (students keep track of how well they are understanding or performing)
• Provide opportunities for extended practice and application
• Present information and demonstrating in multiple ways (i.e.: graphic organizers, books on tape, role-play, videos, computer simulations, manipulatives, analogies, and metaphors)
• Teach students to use memory strategies (mnemonic devices, acronyms)
• Adjust task difficulty (time and workload)