Need for Staff Development Training in Identification of Learning Disabled Students. A Discussion Paper.

The extent to which Mississippi teachers receive specific training regarding screening for learning disabilities and teaching learning-disabled adults was examined through a mail survey of all 81 of Mississippi's adult education supervisors. Of the 36 supervisors who returned usable questionnaires (a 44% response rate), 5 (13.9%) did not attempt to screen for learning disabilities. Of the 10 respondents (27.7%) reporting using a screening instrument, however, only 2 used an instrument appropriate for screening for learning disabilities. Teacher observation was the screening tool of choice for 25 (69.4%) supervisors, 13 (36.1%) checked students' records, and 25 (69.4%) asked students whether they had been diagnosed as having a learning disability. At least 2 screening methods (instrument, observation, records, and/or asking) were used in 27 of the 31 programs where screening was practiced. Ten supervisors (27.7%) reported providing training for teachers in identifying and teaching learning-disabled students. Where training was provided, it ranged from 1-20 hours per year. Many of the adult education supervisors failed to display an effective grasp of learning disabilities concepts. (Contains 24 references.) (MN)