Curricular Needs of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities in Illinois Secondary Agricultural Education Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive census survey of secondary agricultural education teachers was to describe the curricular and classroom needs of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in their programs. The study found students with SLD make up 23% of the students enrolled in Illinois secondary agricultural education programs. Agricultural education teachers perceived resources for students with SLD as inadequate. Half of the respondents (51%) indicated a need to revise the state core curriculum for agriculture to better serve these students. Although respondents noted that students with SLD fell behind in class and caused delays for other students, they welcomed their presence in the classroom and acknowledged the importance of students with SLD to the agricultural workforce.