The Course:  We are ready to begin!

Professional development can be guided by leaders, tied to standards and learning goals, built around...improvement plans, but, ultimately, the engine that drives it all, is each individual's commitment to self-reflection and self-improvement.

~Journal of Staff Development, Spring 2002

Course Notes and Readings

“No one can fully teach you what you need to know about learning disabilities;

you have to work with real people, and you will learn from them.”

All practitioners in LBS have experience in working with adults who have learning disabilities, so they can attest to the truth of that quote! Over the years, “real people” with LD have taught us a great deal that we can pass along to others.

Beyond the many discovery moments we recalled from our experiences with LD learners, we found a wealth of information and great insight from other sources as we gathered materials for this training:

• published materials that have stood the test of time,
• current LBS field development projects,
• first-hand knowledge and expertise from LBS practitioners,
• consultants and experts in the learning disabilities field.

Last Minute Instructions

An important part of this training involves stopping at various points throughout to reflect upon what you have read and to consider what implications there may be for your work and practice. We suggest you keep a journal for this purpose. You could either 1) keep a notebook handy or 2) create a Word file and keep it open on your toolbar for easy access. As you come across each Journal Reflection in the Course Notes and Readings, take some time to respond to the prompt questions, write your ideas or pose a few questions of your own. If you are working with a mentor, the Journal Reflections might help you get started on some interesting dialogue!

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