Parents and Teachers Say Nation's Schools Fail Kids with Learning Disabilities

National Center for Learning Disabilities launches call to action to Keep Kids Learning

January 15, 2003
NEW YORK, NY

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New York, NY, January 15, 2003 "
An overwhelming majority of parents and teachers say the nation's schools take too long to identify students with learning disabilities, according to a benchmark study  released today by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). The study provides important insights given the Congressional debate set to take place early this year about education legislation known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The poll findings have spawned an online initiative called KeepKidsLearning (www.keepkidslearning.org ), to empower parents and teachers to express their opinions about the critical policy changes.

Conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates/American Viewpoint, the survey strongly indicates that both parents and teachers favor replacing the current model for classifying students with learning disabilities with an alternative model that focuses on early identification and intervention. In fact, nearly half of parents in the country have children who are struggling learners.

The Hart Research/American Viewpoint Poll"conducted among 603 parents of children in Kindergarten through 12th grade and 403 teachers of grades K-6"highlights the country's growing concerns about the current education system for identifying and serving students who struggle to learn and the desire to adopt a new one. Highlights of the poll include:

"As this landmark poll indicates, the majority of parents and teachers are tired of watching struggling learners suffer alone," said Geoffrey Garin, president of the Peter D. Hart Research Associates. "They are heavily in favor of a new educational system that allows these children to get the help they need right from the onset of academic troubles."

The survey findings highlight the increasing debate on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Introduced 27 years ago, IDEA revolutionized the standards of special education. Today, however, its out-of-date approaches force struggling learners to fail for one year or more before providing the crucial instruction and support that can enable them to succeed. Regrettably, almost three times more students with learning disabilities are receiving special education services at ages 9-11 than at ages 6-8, despite the knowledge that to be most effective, interventions must be delivered by the end of second grade.

"Parents and teachers know that the earlier children are identified, the more likely they are to succeed in the future," stated James H. Wendorf, executive director of NCLD. He added, "When you consider that a below-average reader loses one million words of active vocabulary each year, the benefit of early identification is undeniable."

Compared with a system that waits a year or more, the new model would allow children to be identified as early as kindergarten. As soon as it becomes evident that a child is struggling, teams of classroom teachers and special educators would provide special instruction and monitor progress almost immediately after the initial problem has been spotted. Those students continuing to show low levels of progress after three months would then be eligible for special education services.

In conjunction with NCLD, co-sponsoring organizations of the Keep Kids Learning online campaign are calling for universal screening for early literacy skills, problem-solving approaches for earlier identification and intervention, and enhancing the professional development of our teachers who work with struggling students everyday. The Learning Disabilities Roundtable works to find consensus on LD issues that will influence current federal policy.

"Since IDEA comes up for reauthorization once every five years, now is the time to communicate and work with Congress to ensure that all children benefit from the best research available," stated Wendorf. He added, "As the nation begins making resolutions for the new year, we must ensure that Congress embraces critical changes to IDEA now because no child has five years to waste."

To help parents, teachers and community members weigh in on IDEA, NCLD has created a web site called KeepKidsLearning (www.keepkidslearning.org ). At the web site, visitors can easily send their opinions and concerns about the legislation to their Senator or Representative.

*The statistical margin of sampling error is ± 4.0% among the parents and ±5.0% among the teachers.

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About National Center for Learning Disabilities
The mission of NCLD (www.LD.org ) is to increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities (LD) to achieve their potential, and to provide solutions to help them participate fully in society. NCLD accomplishes its mission by promoting public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, conducting educational programs and services that advance research-based knowledge, and providing national leadership in shaping public policy.

About Peter D. Hart Research Associates
Peter D. Hart Research Associates is one of the leading survey research firms in the United States, conducting research in the areas of politics, media, business and industry, non-profit and issue advocacy, and public policy. Now in its 31st year of operation, the firm has conducted well over 5,000 public opinion surveys and has undertaken nearly 4,000 focus group sessions in that time.

About American Viewpoint
American Viewpoint is one of the most widely-respected public opinion research firms in the United States today. Founded in 1985, the company has established a national reputation for outstanding research in politics, corporate affairs, public policy and government relations. Providing both quantitative and qualitative research, American Viewpoint specializes in survey research, public opinion polling, communications research, and focus group moderation.