Teacher Beliefs and Perceptions about Learning Disabilities: A Survey of Iowa Practitioners

All teachers of the learning disabled in Iowa were surveyed to determine their beliefs and perceptions about learning disabilities. A 20-item questionnaire was constructed to assess opinion in four areas: nature and characteristics, assessment and diagnosis, service delivery and intervention, and information sources. Respondents were required to either choose a single option, rank order choices, or scale a response with differential weighting. Findings revealed that the teachers of the learning disabled possessed well-developed beliefs and perceptions, showing them to be knowledgeable and well informed. It was concluded, therefore, that the respondents possessed a sound information base for their practical pursuits and that they based such practice on what they believed.