Faculty Perceptions of Accommodations for College and University Students with Learning Disabilities

Faculty Perceptions of Accommodations for College and University Students with Learning Disabilities
Author: Nancy Giagnacova O'Neil
Publisher:
Total Pages: 89
Release: 2013
Genre: College students with disabilities
ISBN:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the perceptions of professors teaching students with learning disabilities and to discover what professional development opportunities university and college instructors viewed as potentially improving their ability to teach students with learning disabilities. The number of students with learning disabilities within postsecondary schools is rapidly increasing; however, the retention rates are significantly lower than their non-disabled peers. Two colleges and one university located within the northeastern region of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania served as the study sites for this research. Data were collected via a survey presenting both forced-response statements with a Likert-type response scale and open-ended questions. The study sample consisted of 15 professors, three of whom were also interviewed. The study provided insight into future professional-development activities professors would find valuable in teaching students with disabilities. The findings indicated both positive and negative professor perceptions of teaching students with disabilities; however, the majority of the participants had positive experiences. With regard to making accommodations for learning-disabled students, the survey responses indicated the equally variant willingness of the professors to accommodate these students. The participants believed students with disabilities can be academically successful within the postsecondary setting. However, it is clearly important that these students discuss their disability with the professors at the onset of the semester to maximize that success. Learning Centers should develop relationships with the professors that will keep these educators informed of the available services and collaborative support. Institutions of higher learning may have safeguards in place to ensure against this student population misusing accommodations. Such activity serves only to leave professors with negative perceptions of teaching learning-disabled students.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Students with Learning and Behavioral Challenges

Evidence-Based Interventions for Students with Learning and Behavioral Challenges
Author: Richard J. Morris
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 436
Release: 2008-01-14
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1135925143

This book assembles into one volume summaries of school-based intervention research that relates to those who deal on a regular basis with the growing body of students having high-incidence learning disabilities and/or behavior disorders: special educators, school psychologists, and clinical child psychologists. Chapter authors begin with an overview of their topic followed by a brief section on historical perspectives before moving on to the main section – a critical discussion of empirically based intervention procedures. In those instances where evidence-based prescriptions can legitimately be made, authors discuss best practices and the conditions (e.g., classroom environment, teacher expertise) under which these practices are most effective. A final section deals with policy issues.

A Closer Look

A Closer Look
Author: Jane Utley Adelizzi
Publisher:
Total Pages: 298
Release: 1995
Genre: Education
ISBN:

"This book will bear scant resemblance to others you may have read about college teaching & student outcomes. It will catch you off guard; drag you beneath the surface of the student-teacher connection, & confront you with the compelling images & intense emotion."--(Dr. Catherine W. Ingold). It is a collection of highly personal accounts written by highly experienced teachers working at the cutting edge of post-secondary learning disabilities field. It also includes essays by college students & teachers who have learning disabilities themselves, giving voice to the pain, frustration, & ultimate triumph experienced by talented individuals who learn differently. The essays integrate theory & practice & explore such issues as relationships between learning disabilities between & classroom trauma, social deficits, ESL, the process of mentoring metacognitive development. Also explored are models for inclusion & practical strategies. This book is a valuable resource for adults with learning disabilities, secondary & post-secondary teachers & administrators, admissions officers, counselors & therapists, faculty teaching graduate & undergraduate courses in special education, parents of students who have learning disabilities, & anyone interested in the study of teaching, teacher lore, & effective educational practices. Order from Curry College Bookstore, (617) 333-2322.