Learning Differently

 

A learning disability is a condition giving rise to difficulties in acquiring knowledge and skills to the level expected of those of the same age. When a student has a learning disability they have a harder time in school than other children. These types of students are assessed by their schools through a wide variety of testing throughout their education. These tests are assessing what kinds of learning disability the student has or if they even have one. When the results are put together teachers work up a system for the student and a way for them to get the best out of their schooling.

When students enter their teenage years and the level of difficulty in school increases it increases twice as much for students with learning disabilities. The fast pace schooling of high school and college is typically a lot to handle for these types of students. When students are not given the best type of help they tend to fall behind in school and are not able to keep up with the rest of the class. In these cases most of the time students result in dropping out of school as a whole. There is a high rate of students dropping out of schools for reasons they cannot control. These reasons need to be met and there needs to be a better system for these students

Here are some facts about students with learning disabilities from Medline Plus

• Around 80% of teen learning disabilities revolve around reading
• 35% of teens with a form of learning disability fail to finish high school
• Special education for teens with learning disability costs roughly around $10,000 a year
• Over 60% of teens with a learning disability are unable to find a job even a year after they finish high school
• One quarter of young adult population, 25%, doesn’t have the reading skills needed for the most typical jobs
• Two top reasons why adults cannot get from welfare and find a regular job are substance abuse and learning disabilities

We need to stress the importance of special education in our school systems. We have an obligation to pay attention to these students, and not see them as a whole but work on the individual because everyone is different and all learning disabilities can vary. There is a great deal of need for special education. The system provides confidence in students and lets them know that there is someone there for them to help them through their struggles. By providing special education and care we will be benefiting all students.