Learning disability is a broad term that describes specific learning problems that may affect a child’s ability to acquire reading, writing, math, or in more severe cases, life skills. Children with learning disabilities are often of average, or above average intelligence, but they process information differently than what is considered the norm. There are many types of disabilities from mild to severe, and many different schools, both public and private, to address their needs.
In most cases, the decision about the best learning environment begins with an evaluation by the child study team in your school district. You may make a written request to the team if you are concerned about your child’s progress and believe that he may have a disability. The team will conduct at least two assessments by professionals who have received appropriate training or licensing. If you don’t agree with the child study team’s determination, you have the right to ask for one independent evaluation. This is completed at the district’s expense. Then you will be invited to participate in a meeting to discuss the evaluations, possible classification, and educational placement for your child. The child study team, in conjunction with parents, then develops an individualized education plan (IEP) to address the supports your child’s needs.
Deciding What’s “Right”
Many districts have excellent programs to support a child with learning disabilities, including speech teachers, special education certified teachers, iPads, and assistive technology such as an augmentive communication devices.
Your child may be placed in a small classroom, or placed in a regular education class with small group support. You, and the child study team, will decide what is best. You may even choose to have your child in a small class for only part of the day, or for certain subjects. You may include in the IEP accommodations your child needs such as large-print textbooks, breaks built into the day, extended test time, shortened length of assignments, tests with fewer problems on a
page, and having the test read aloud. You may also have modifications placed into the IEP such as a change in test location; simplified vocabulary, concepts, or expectations; or modified grading.
Many parents feel that their public school district’s program is the right place for their child, believing it provides real-life experiences and allows their child to socialize with neighborhood children. If you disagree with your school’s program for your child, you may choose to place her in a private school. You will be responsible for the cost, unless you prove at a due-process hearing that your local school district’s program is unable to meet your child’s needs.
You need to observe the classroom your child will be placed in, or you can hire an educational consultant to evaluate it. For a child with more severe needs, some red flags that might indicate improper placement are: a fractured program that is not integrated throughout the day, insufficient therapy hours, a program that doesn’t extend into the summer, inconsistent use of materials, and using parts of programs piecemeal.
Public & Private Schools
Many people assume that teachers at a private school are certified similarly to public school teachers. That may not be the case. NJ public school teachers must be state certified, having attended teacher training and testing. Teachers in a private school do not need to be state certified, but may have subject-area expertise, having majored in the subject they are teaching.
Public schools are held accountable through state testing, while private schools are primarily accountable only to parents. Which is preferable? This is a question for debate, and a matter of preference.
There is also a difference regarding development of curriculum and programs. Public schools must follow state or national guidelines, while private schools have more freedom to develop their curriculum and assessments. This may translate to curriculum that is tailored to your child’s specific needs, interests, and strengths.
A private school may be better prepared to handle your child’s disability as a reflection of his strengths and weaknesses, rather than as a classification. Your child may have more freedom to explore areas of interest through an innovative curriculum and small classes. A private school may offer extracurricular programs such as photography, environmental science, or journalism.
Lastly, private schools for children with disabilities are often data-driven. Teachers may collect data on your child’s behavior and progress every day and all day. This data is used to create a specialized program that measures your child’s needs and continued progress.
Residential vs. Day Schools
If your child has a more severe disability such as an anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorder, or ADHD, a private residential or boarding school may be a good match. These schools provide a predictable routine that children may require. Teachers and staff understand that transitions are challenging, and changes are kept to a minimum. Your child won’t have to endure a lengthy bus ride twice a day that can cause acting out.
At home you may be tempted to help your child complete even simple activities; residential schools promote independence.
Learning disabilities affect many children and with the proper supports, children with disabilities can succeed. You know how your child learns best. Visit the schools you are considering, both public and private, and ask questions.
Resources for Parents
• Association of Boarding Schools a directory of 300 international boarding schools (use the advanced search option to find programs for children with learning disabilities boardingschools.com
• IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) iecaonline.com/index.html
• Learning Disabilities Association of America www.ldanatl.org
• New Jersey Family listing of private schools for children with special needs njfamily.com/specialneeds
• NJ Department of Education; for a list of approved private schools nj.gov/education/specialed/instate/instate.pdf
• SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network) spanadvocacy.org/index.php
Terry Tunkel has taught for over 20 years, and currently teaches 5th grade in Bridgewater. She has three children of her own, ages 19, 17, and 8.
