Changes in way learning disabilities have been defined over the years have led to significant changes in roles and responsibilities the teacher must assume. What effect have these changes had on education and the role of the teacher? What are the important implications of these changes to teacher preparation programs?
It seems these days that almost everyone has a learning disability. Thirty years ago it seems that all students with severe learning disabilities were labeled "retarded" or "slow" and everyone else was labeled "normal." Now it is not uncommon for teachers to have a class with up to 30% or more of the students labeled with some kind of disability or another. If it's not an academic disability it is emotional, physical, social or any combination of the above and all are lumped under "learning disability" because their disability does affect their ability to learn.