This quick reference guide provides educators with essential strategies for supporting students with learning disabilities, focusing on evidence-based practices, positive behavior supports, and accommodations. By implementing these tools, you can help students build academic, social, and emotional skills, empowering them to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Download these tips as an easily-shareable PDF, or read on for practical, evidence-based strategies to support students with learning disabilities.
Key Facts About Learning Disabilities
- Fact 1: Learning disabilities are neurologically based processing issues that can impact reading, writing, math, and other academic skills.
- Fact 2: Learning disabilities do not indicate a lack of intelligence; many students with learning disabilities possess average or above-average cognitive abilities.
- Fact 3: Early identification and targeted interventions can greatly enhance learning outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
Evidence-Based Instructional Practices
- Practice 1: Implement multisensory instruction to engage multiple senses, such as using manipulatives for math or tactile activities for reading.
- Practice 2: Break lessons into small, manageable chunks to help students process information more effectively.
- Practice 3: Use explicit, systematic teaching methods, focusing on clear instructions and step-by-step guidance.
Positive Behavior Supports
- Support 1: Reinforce effort and progress, highlighting small successes to build confidence.
- Support 2: Use clear and consistent routines to provide structure and predictability, which can reduce anxiety.
- Support 3: Offer regular feedback and positive reinforcement for using strategies like asking for help or staying focused.
Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities
- Accommodation 1: Provide extended time on assignments and tests to accommodate processing speed difficulties.
- Accommodation 2: Allow for oral responses or the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech tools, to support written expression.
- Accommodation 3: Modify reading materials or use audiobooks to reduce the cognitive load and support comprehension.
Reading and Writing Supports
- Support Method 1: Provide graphic organizers to help students organize their thoughts and ideas before writing.
- Support Method 2: Offer decodable texts or leveled readers to encourage repeated reading to help students with reading fluency and comprehension.
- Support Method 3: Encourage the use of spelling and grammar check tools to support written work and focus on content rather than mechanics.
Building Social Skills
- Skill 1: Use role-playing scenarios to teach communication and problem-solving strategies, helping students practice real-life social interactions.
- Skill 2: Create structured group activities where students can work collaboratively, ensuring roles are clearly defined to support participation and success.
- Skill 3: Offer direct instruction on interpreting social cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language, through visual aids or social stories.
About the Author
Keely Keller is the Director of Professional Programs for Teaching Channel in Eagan, Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, a Master’s of Arts in Education from Hamline University, and additional Director of Special Education and Principal Licensures from the University of Minnesota. Before joining Teaching Channel, Keely served students with special needs as a teacher and Special Education Coordinator in a suburban Minnesota school district. Keely has years of experience working with new teachers.
Fun fact: Keely loves to go camping in her travel trailer with family and friends.
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