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Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are learning differences that affect an individual's ability to process oral or written information. The most common type of learning disability is reading disability. Limited English proficiency can complicate identification and intervention for English language learners with learning disabilities. The articles below offer excellent information that both teachers and parents can use to support their ELLs with learning disabilities.

This section contains 16 articles.

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Library Services for Children with Special Needs

By: Colorín Colorado (2008)

Libraries offer a wide range of services for individuals with special needs. This article details some of the services that may be available for children and adults with learning or intellectual disabilities, who are blind or deaf, and gifted and talented children. If you aren't sure what your library offers, ask the librarian for assistance.

How to Address Special Education Needs in the ELL Classroom

By: Kristina Robertson (2007)

When an ELL student is struggling with language difficulties, it is often difficult to know if the problem is due to a delay in language acquisition, to a learning disability, to other kinds of special education needs, or a combination of these factors. This month's article presents an overview of practical guidelines on the steps to follow when considering if a student has special education needs, including academic interventions, factors affecting referral for assessment, and a number of related resources.

Communication Strategies for All Classrooms: Focusing on English Language Learners and Students with Learning Disabilities

By: Dale S. Brown and Karen Ford (2007)

Here are some concrete suggestions for teachers who want to communicate well with all of their students, especially English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Incorporate these suggestions and you will reach many more students.

School Issues and Program Information

By: American Federation of Teachers (2007)

All schools are held to certain standards based on federal and state laws. This article discusses some of obligations stated in The No Child Left Behind Act, which includes mandatory testing. It also describes the different programs available to English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as vocational and college preparatory programs.

How To Know When Your Child Needs Extra Help

By: Colorín Colorado (2007)

Children learn differently and at different rates. Some kids need extra time, especially if they're also learning a second language.

Where to Go for Help

By: Colorín Colorado (2007)

What should you do if you think your child is having a reading problem?

What's 'Normal,' What's Not: Acquiring English as a Second Language

By: Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin and Alejandro Brice (2005)

How can you tell when a student has a language-learning disability and when he or she is merely in the normal process of acquiring a second language?

Improving Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities

By: Diane Torres-Velasquez and Diane Rodriguez (2005)

Find ways to help English language learners with learning disabilities who are struggling in math. Strategies for working through mathematical problems, questioning, and assessment are included.

English Language Learners with Special Needs: Effective Instructional Strategies

By: Alba Ortiz (2001)

Students struggle in school for a variety of reasons. Unless these students receive appropriate intervention, they will continue to struggle, and the gap between their achievement and that of their peers will widen over time.

What are Learning Disabilities?

By: Larry B. Silver, M.D. (2001)

As parents you are familiar with the term learning disability. Yet, it seems that there are so many types, and each educator or other professional you work with uses different terms or ways to describe your son or daughter. The following outline might be helpful in putting these terms and concepts in perspective.

¿Qué son las discapacidades de aprendizaje?

By: Larry B. Silver, M.D. (2001)

Como padre, puede que está familiarizado con el término "impedimentos del aprendizaje". Aún así, parece que hay demasiados tipos, y cada maestro o profesional que trabaja con usted tiene diferentes términos o maneras de describir a su hijo o hija. La siguiente discusión puede ayudarle a poner estos términos y conceptos en perspectiva.

Bilingual Students With Disabilities Get Special Help

By: Mary Ann Zehr (2001)

There are many children who are eligible for both special education and English as a Second Language instruction, but few models for how to serve these children well. Learn about a program in Clark County, Nevada in which dually trained teachers provide overlapping instruction to meet both these needs.

Early Reading Intervention for English Language Learners At-Risk for Learning Disabilities: Student and Teacher Outcomes in an Urban School

By: Diane Haager (2001)

This study follows a group of teachers implementing an early reading intervention program with students at-risk for learning disabilities, most of whom were also English language learners.

Common Signs of Dyslexia

By: International Dyslexia Association (2000)

Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties. This article provides a list of common signs of dyslexia.

A Guide to Learning Disabilities for the ESL Classroom Practitioner

By: Christine Root (1994)

It is estimated that in the United States, 15% of the general population has a learning disability. It is possible that many of the ESL students whom we view as poor language learners are struggling because they too have a learning disability.