Students with Reading Difficulties
Diagnostic Testing
Assessment of students with learning difficulties in reading is done mainly through observation of the knowledge and strategies that they use and the means by which they remedy their comprehension difficulties. Information is gathered from school personnel and parents. Measuring instruments may be used to validate hypotheses concerning the type of difficulty. Teachers may call on specialists such as resource teachers and speech therapists when necessary.
Instruction for Children with Reading Difficulties
Instruction for students who have difficulties in reading involves developing their desire to read by giving books a prominent place in the classroom and encouraging reading in these students’ presence. Teachers may encourage unmotivated students to participate in a reading club, research group, or poetry workshop. Other activities for students with reading difficulties focus on specific knowledge or help them to use cognitive and metacognitive strategies effectively when reading. These interventions are carried out regularly as part of regular classroom instruction.
Integration into regular classes is the preferred method of promoting success for students with special needs. These students may be grouped with other students who have similar needs during class activities or benefit from one-on-one help from a homeroom or resource teacher or a specialist (e.g., resource teacher, speech therapist), depending on school policy. Students with reading difficulties also may benefit from classes for students with special needs and specialized technological tools that support their learning of reading (e.g., voice synthesizers, audiobooks). The decision to opt for services or specialized tools is supported by an individualized education plan that specifies the actions, implementation conditions, and follow-up procedures required to accommodate each student.