Attitude of Primary School Teachers towards Children with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Background: When the special needs of children with learning disabilities are not met, it can lead to scholastic backwardness and related psycho-socio problems. Hence, early identification by teachers is crucial. It would, therefore, be important to assess the attitudes of teachers toward children with learning disabilities. Method: The current study aimed at assessing the attitude of primary school teachers towards children with learning disabilities using Teachers’ Attitude about Learning Disabilities (PSTALD) scale. The sample for the study consisted of 200 primary school teachers in Bangalore South from 16 schools. Result: The teachers had less favorable attitude towards inclusion of children with learning disabilities in regular schools. Female teachers had favorable attitude towards helping children with learning disabilities on overall scores of PSTALD scale compared to male counterparts. Apart from this, unaided school teachers and teachers with higher education had statistically significant positive (p < 0.05) attitude on all the domains of PSTALD scale compared to other categories. Conclusion: The findings of the research highlight the need for bringing awareness to change the attitude towards inclusion and bringing children with learning disabilities into the educational mainstream.