Graduate Program
School Psychology
Degree Name
Specialist in School Psychology
Semester of Degree Completion
2002
Thesis Director
Assege HaileMariam
Abstract
This study examined the factors that influence teachers to refer students for psycho-educational evaluation. Fifty seven teachers from Midwest and Southwest suburban and rural school districts completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about the factors teachers consider when referring students for evaluation, as well as their opinion of the etiology of Learning Disability and their preferences for services. Results indicated that the most influential factors in participants' referral decisions were low achievement and behavioral problems. The majority of teachers agreed that eligibility decisions should be based on the child's needs. However, there was no agreement that an ability-achievement discrepancy accurately identifies Learning Disabled students. Further, brain dysfunction and genetics were implicated as the cause of LD, and most teachers preferred mainstreaming for students with mild LD.
Recommended Citation
Perry, Amanda R., "Factors Influencing Teachers' Decisions to Refer Students for Special Education Evaluation" (2002). Masters Theses. 1415.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1415
