Definition for Learning Disability
Definition for Learning Disability – An Example
Mrs. Sullivan is a fine teacher, and she truly cares about Mike, but he is trying her patience. While her other third grade students seem driven and apply themselves to the tasks at hand, Mike seems to sit idly, daydreaming or simply choosing not to work. Before the school year started, she read in Mike’s file that in second grade he had trouble paying attention and seemed unmotivated. His second grade teacher had written in her end-of-the-year notes -- “Needs to be tested for learning disabilities and considered for special education.”
Mike’s parents are very concerned and find themselves in unfamiliar territory: his sister, Molly, who is three years older, is a star at school, and her teachers love her. So what’s going on with Mike? How can two siblings be so different?
He seems so smart. He’s almost a walking encyclopedia on baseball after all. Why can’t he use that intelligence on his math work at school? After several inconclusive meetings with the principal and counselor, Mike’s mom and dad are wondering if he has a personality conflict with Mrs. Sullivan or some sort of a latent learning disability.
Like Molly, Mike knew his ABCs when he was four. At first, reading seemed to come easily for him, but now he is not as excited about reading books before bedtime. Anything that’s even remotely connected to schoolwork makes Mike stubborn, angry, and sad. His mom and dad dread the after-dinner homework sessions at the kitchen table. Mike complains about his homework, often crying in frustration, and begs to be allowed to play video games on the computer instead.
Definition for Learning Disability – What’s the Answer?
Although the family has a modest income, his parents had squeezed some extra cash from the budget and hired a tutor for Mike. Unfortunately, tutoring didn’t seem to make a difference in Mike’s grades or in his abilities to learn the material at hand the first time, so his parents are questioning the value of trying tutoring again. Mike and his parents are stuck in an all-too-familiar cycle -- problems at school, hire a tutor, slight and temporary improvement in grades, and then problems at school once again.
Would it surprise you that over a third of America’s school-age children have learning issues similar to Mike’s. . .and the problem is neither a lack of motivation nor improper instruction?
Mike and his fellow “strugglers” are not unintelligent nor are they misfits because of intelligence issues. These kids began their school years excited and eager to learn. What is more, they are capable of doing well in the classroom.
So what’s going on here? Why can’t someone identify the problem and do something about it?
Good questions.
There is an answer, although it’s not considered mainstream.
Return To Other Child Learning Topics
Excerpts of the book Unlock the Enstein Inside by Dr. Ken Gibson
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