Mainstreamed LD pupils in Orthodox schools: Accommodation acceptability

Abstract

This study examined the self-reported willingness of mainstream teachers in nine orthodox elementary Yeshivos to employ 34 accommodations for their mainstreamed LD students. The modifications discussed in this research are literature based and shown to yield positive results for this population. The schools included in the study were a representative sample of many contemporary American orthodox day schools.;The survey instrument was distributed to mainstream grade 1 to 6 teachers in both the religious and secular studies departments. It included a background information sheet and an accommodations questionnaire. 96 returned questionnaires were appropriate for use in the study.;Four topics were addressed: Overall teacher willingness to employ the accommodations, different school types and teacher willingness, department and willingness and other factors and their impact on willingness.;Statistical analysis indicated a high overall willingness to implement the accommodations. There was no positive association between school type and positive willingness responses. There was only one positive association between department and positive willingness responses. Other factors (coursework, satisfaction teaching LD students, years of teaching experience, age, sex, class size) yielded some positive associations.