The National Center for Learning Disabilities: Surveying Educator Confidence

Recently, the National Center for Learning Disabilities published the results of a survey asking over 1,600 general and special education teachers nationwide about:

(1) their confidence in adapting instruction for students with learning differences, 

(2) the school-level factors that shape their confidence, and 

(3) how these factors are currently shaping their work

The results were striking, though not unexpected. A majority of general educators do not feel adequately trained to support kids with learning differences. While veteran teachers feel a bit more prepared, a sizable confidence gap remains between the two groups. Compare novice general educators and special educators, and that gap widens even further. 

As one general educator interviewed shared, “I wish we could have more special education staff with lower caseloads so that they could provide more support to staff. With [their] caseloads now, they are slammed with assessments and [IEP meetings] regularly and [having their] support sometimes isn’t possible.” 

When it comes to teacher training, ALDS schools — and the experienced teachers and specialists within them — play a critical role. 

Not only do they support their own students — and provide ongoing instructional coaching and professional growth to their teachers and staff — many offer trainings, workshops, and full outreach centers to expand their impact. The goal: Equip outside educators with the skills and methodologies essential for students with LDs so they can bring this knowledge back to their own classrooms and schools.

Other ALDS schools partner with nearby colleges and universities to provide special education teaching fellowships, helping to prepare the next generation of educators to effectively meet the needs of kids with LDs. 

Take a look at these ALDS schools to learn how their outreach efforts and partnerships are building more confident teachers — and more robust teacher pipelines. 

Springer School & Center’s professional programs

Churchill School’s Center for Professional Development

Lab School’s collaboration with American University