Learning Disability or Instructional Deficiency?

The more I learn about learning disabilities, the more I see that the “best practices” for educating students with learning disabilities are actually considered “best practices” for all learners. For example, math and reading interventions focus heavily on “hands-on” and “experiential” learning activities. Isn’t it well known that all students learn best when they can…

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Is There a Link Between Study Skills and Motivation?

Last week, a friend was telling me about her work with a community initiative to help “at-risk” youth get better grades in school. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Oooh…they need study skills!” She responded, “Well, we are focusing more on motivation,” and quickly continued with her story. I shouldn’t have interrupted her…

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Negative Attitudes from Parents and Teachers

Last week, I shared suggestions to improve students’ attitudes towards study skills. But, students are not the only ones with poor attitudes. I recently received an email from Jean*. Jean is a teacher who is battling a few roadblocks while teaching study skills during her “Study Skills” class. Yes, that is right. Jean is responsible…

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The Cost of NOT Teaching Study Skills

As school budgets are rapidly shrinking, administrators have to carefully consider how to allocate their budget; they need to get the most “bang for their buck.” Managing a school budget is an art form involving hundreds of decisions and balancing dozens of demands. “How Can We Make the Greatest Impact?” This question is usually the…

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