Teachers' Perceptions and Expectations

Although their participation in general education academic classes differs somewhat from that of their peers, approximately two-thirds (69 percent) of students with learning disabilities who take general education academic classes have teachers who consider their placement in those classes to be "very appropriate"; most of the rest (24 percent) are considered to have "somewhat appropriate" placements. However, the participation of 7 percent of students with learning disabilities in general education academic classes is considered "not very appropriate" or "not at all appropriate."

Though not all students with learning disabilities are perceived to be appropriately placed, virtually all students with learning disabilities (99 percent) in general education academic classes are expected to keep up with others in their class; however, only approximately three-fourths (78 percent) are reported by their teachers to do so.