Perspective

In November 1979 a learning disabilities program, one of the first of its kind, was started at the American Community School in Athens, Greece. A Learning Disabilities Unit was developed to service 12 children in grades 2 to 4 with serious difficulties in academics, language, perception, behavior, and social relations. For half of the group English was a second language. Children admitted to the program were more than two years below grade level expectations in reading, math, writing, and spelling according to standardized testing. Procedures followed the guidelines established by Public Law 94–142 in the United States and included placement evaluations, educational plans, quarterly reports, and annual reevaluations. Testing done to monitor children's progress indicated statistically significant growth in all areas. Parents were encouraged to participate actively in the program by conferencing and by informing the community at large. Little additional budget money was spent to staff and to equip the LD Unit. This successful model of a learning disabilities program abroad could be adapted for use in other overseas community schools with limited resources.