Benefits of Specialized Schools

How specialized schools for students with learning disabilities can optimize support

“Children’s self-perceptions are often affected by their academic achievement, it may be important to consider that in classrooms taught by teachers who are trained to address the unique academic and social needs of students with LD, and where students of similar abilities attend, self-esteem would be enhanced” (LaBarbera, 2008).

One way to optimize perceived support for children and adolescents with learning disabilities is the establishment of specialized schools. There are many benefits for the students enrolled in these schools, such as a closer learning environment, feelings of similarity with peers, higher self-esteem, and curriculum specific to them. With about 1 in 5 children in the US having learning and attention issues, these schools are becoming increasingly common (LDA, 2017). 

Benefits of specialized schools for students with learning disabilities:

• Specialized schools create a favorable learning environment for students with learning disabilities. This is created by encouraging feedback from and interaction with teachers or other supporters and helps to maintain self-esteem (LaBarbera, 2008).

• Within these schools, classrooms are specifically structured to meet the needs of students in small settings.

‘Researchers found support for their belief that students who are placed in self-contained classrooms, “where their salient reference group consists of other students with disabilities … feel more positively about themselves than students who attend regular classes”’ (LaBarbera, 2008).

If your child is struggling with a learning disability and demonstrates feelings of being unsupported, consider looking up the specialized schools in your area and check our page here to find more resources! 

Author: Maddie Blake