Since public schools need to cater to a larger audience and move through material according to the school's learning schedule, kids with academic challenges often fall behind or struggle. While there are some accommodations available in most public schools, the services are often insufficient to really address the underlying problem. Smaller classes and more personalized learning in private schools can help, but you need to understand your child's learning challenges. Here are a few things you should know to help you find the right learning environment.
Dyslexia doesn't mean your child sees things backward. If your child has dyslexia and transposes numbers or sounds, you might think that he or she sees things backward. However, dyslexia actually refers to the efficiency and capability of the brain to perceive and process written language. Understanding this will help you find a school that provides some supplemental resources like proficiency classes to help your child learn how to overcome those challenges.
Learning disabilities don't mean that kids can't learn. Many parents believe that kids with learning disabilities just aren't going to "get it" because they struggle with processing information in the way that it's presented. It's important to understand that your child CAN learn, but you need to figure out how to teach and present information in a way that he or she can understand. When you find out how your child processes and retains information best, you'll be better able to find a school that can tailor the learning environment to those needs.
Organization alone doesn't overcome a learning disability. It's a common belief, though. This often makes kids with learning disabilities feel inadequate because they will still struggle with grasping information despite their efforts at organization. Private schools can make this easier by offering more personalized learning and greater attention for each individual student. This may help your child feel less overwhelmed by information, easing the roadblocks that can interfere with retention.
A learning disability won't keep your child from getting into college. Unfortunately, many public schools put kids with learning disabilities on an alternative education track solely in an effort to ease resistance and ensure some level of success. When you send your child to a private school, he or she has an opportunity to develop a solid educational foundation along with the tools needed to overcome those learning challenges. Those tools can easily translate to a well-equipped college student.
Understanding your child's learning disability is a key component to finding the right learning environment. With the information presented here, you'll be better equipped to find an environment that will be supportive and reliable.
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