Depending on the type of learning disability, students may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics.

READING

• Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multisyllable words
• Difficulty finding important points or main ideas
• Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task
• Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with materials presented orally

WRITING

• Difficulty with sentence structure, poor grammar, omitted words
• Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals
• Difficulty copying
• Poorly formed handwriting - may print, instead of using script; write with inconsistent slant; have difficulty with certain letters, space words unevenly
• Compositions lacking organization and development of ideas

LISTENING

• Difficulty paying attention when spoken to, inconsistent concentration
• Has trouble listening to a lecture and take notes at the same time
• Is easily distracted by background noise or visual stimulation, unable to pay attention; may appear to be hurried in one-to-one meetings

ORAL LANGUAGE

• Difficulty expressing ideas orally which the student seems to understand
• Problems describing events or stories in proper sequence
• Problems with grammar
• Using a similar sounding word in place of the appropriate one

MATH

• Difficulty memorizing basic facts
• Confusion or reversal of numbers, number sequences or symbols
• Difficulty copying problems, aligning columns
• Difficulty reading or comprehending word problems
• Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts
• Poor organization and time management

INTERPERSONAL/SOCIAL SKILLS

• Problems interpreting subtle messages, such as sarcasm or humor
• Seems disorganized in space - confuses up and down, right and left; gets lost in building, is disoriented when familiar environment is rearranged
• Seems disoriented in time, i.e. is often late to class, usually early for appointments or unable to finish assignments in the standard time period
• Displays excessive anxiety, anger or depression because of the inability to cope with stress

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Upon completion of learning disabilities assessment and determination of eligibility for services, students may receive any of the following accommodations:

1. Tape recordings of lectures
2. Books on tape
3. Notetaking services
4. Extended time on tests
5. Distraction reduced test taking environment
6. If eligible, a reader for tests and quizzes
7. It may be appropriate for students to have the ability to drop a class beyond the deadline.
8. Specialized instruction by DSPS Instructional Support staff, emphasizing how to use specific learning strategies to enhance skills in reading, spelling, writing, math and study skills.
9. Specialized instruction by the HTC or other Instructional Support Staff to help students with learning disabilities to usecomputers. Word processing, spell checking, grammar checking, and other tools are offered for students with writing, reading, and math problems. Software programs are also available to help improve memory, sequencing, or reasoning skills. Kurzweil Personal Reader, which electronically scans printed material and converts it to voice, is available for those students with reading difficulties.