General Education Teachers Feel Unprepared to Support Students with Learning and Attention Issues

General Education Teachers Feel Unprepared to Support Students with Learning and Attention Issues
Resources

July 11, 2019

Resource: Blog Industry: Education, K12
Tags: K12 Education, Special Education

 

A recent study released by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) and Understood, entitled Forward Together: Helping Educators Unlock the Power of Students Who Learn Differently, reveals an unfortunate reality impacting the education of the 1 in 5 students with learning disabilities and attention issues:
“Even though more than 70% of students with LD or ADHD spend at least 80% of their day in the general education classroom, only 17% of general educators feel ‘very prepared' to teach the 1 in 5.”

Why Are Teachers Unprepared

There are many factors impacting why teachers feel underprepared to teach the 1 in 5. For one, most states have continued to set separate teacher preparation tracks for special education and general education. In addition, teachers have limited opportunities for professional development on learning and attention issues through their school or district.

According to the study, "At least one-third of teachers report that they have not participated in professional development on learning and attention issues."

Recommendations for School and District Leaders

The report provides extensive recommendations for creating classrooms and school environments where the 1 in 5 students with learning and attention issues can be successful. Here are a few key recommendations for school and district leaders:

  • Set district-wide expectations for inclusion.
  • Build a deep understanding of the science of learning and attention issues.
  • Support teachers in learning and implementing evidence-based strategies and best practices.
  • Foster collaboration and integration between general education and special education.
  • Dedicate professional development time to strategies that support the 1 in 5.
  • Provide principals with professional development, guidance tools, and resources to foster inclusion in their schools.

Download the Whitepaper

Download our new whitepaper for more highlights from the Forward Together: Helping Educators Unlock the Power of Students Who Learn Differently report.

Download Whitepaper >

How Exceptional Child Can Help

With Exceptional Child, you can easily deliver online PD on a wide range of topics to general education teachers, pararaeducators, and all staff who support students with exceptionalities. And the built-in management system makes it easy to assign, track, and manage training.

Why Online PD?

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