1. Kids with learning challenges just aren't smart...
By definition, people with learning challenges have at least average, if not above average intelligence. This can be very confusing for parents as the student appears bright, but just doesn't make all the connections to be able to do the work!
2. They're just lazy. They need to try harder...
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We want our students to work smarter, not harder. If you don't have a complete set of learning tools, how long would you be willing to put out large amounts of effort only to fail? How long before our students wear out and want to quit.
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3. Kids who do poorly in school just don't care...
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Lack of motivation is different than not having the skills needed to accomplish the task. Most kids do care deeply, but why try hard when you are going to fail anyway?
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4. If you aren't diagnosed as learning disabled then you don't have a learning problem...
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Most learning struggles are caused by a weakness in the underlying learning skills. These skills are the root of the brain's ability to process information. The brain must be able to take in information, remember and organize it, and then use it for learning.
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5. Children with learning problems with outgrow them...
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Unfortunately, when learning skills or processing problems are just left alone, it is still there months later and will follow the child into adulthood. Simple maturation will not solve the problem.
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6. The best way to help someone with a learning problem is help them get around it -to make accommodations...
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If you had a bike with a flat tire, wouldn't it make sense to fix the tire before training for a race? You could get by with a lot of extra effort and someone running beside you holding the seat, but your achievement level is seriously compromised.
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7. A learning problem is a permanent problem...
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Brain research over the last 25 years has validated that the brain can change at any time of life, not just in early childhood. The brain can learn to think about and process information in new and more efficient ways. Our students can learn to think smarter, not harder, in more efficient ways.
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