are you stupid

Are You Stupid?

by Ophir Avidan and Sarit Tzikashvilli
Amal Aleph Comprehensive School, Ramla

Do you write with many spelling mistakes? Do you have trouble expressing yourself in writing? Does your handwriting look like a disaster? Does the sentence, "You have ability, but you are not doing anything with it," sound familiar? When you read aloud in class, does it sound like an 8 year old is reading in your place?

If the anwer to any of these questions is yes, then you may have a Learning Disability (LD). It is not a disease, nor is it a brain defect. It is just a definition of certain difficulties in the processing of information. No one knows for sure what causes these problems. It is very important to keep in mind that most people with LD's have average or above average IQ's. Their success for failure in school depends upon locating their problem and getting them suitable treatment; such as tutors who specialize in LD and relief at school - more time for tests, oral tests, an abbreviation of moteral for tests, etc.

A lot of people with Learning Disabilities have completed advance degrees (BA, MA, PhD). In Amal Aleph, there are even teachers with learning disabilities. Amy Gelbart, English teacher, remembers doing very poorly until she learned to handle her LDs in high school. "I had a very hard time back then. But I completed a B.A. and even a Masters degree!" Yehudit Freedman, a history and Torah teacher, shares her experience: "I have learning disabilities, especially in English. In high school, I had terrible handwriting and spelling mistakes in Hebrew and in English. I was diagnosed only a few years ago, before I got my B.A. Even though I have learning disabilities, I succeeded in getting my degree."

A lot of people who made history had learning disabilities. Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and even Ehud Tennenbaum, the "analyzer" who broke into the U.S. government's defense computer system.

LD's can be expressed in different ways. Every subject has its own name. In reading, learning disabilities are called "dyslexia," in math they are called "dyscalcolia," and in writing they are called "dysgraphia."

Only a professional can determine which learning disability you have and what the best approach to cope with the problem is. "In Amal, there are about 96 students diagnosed with LD's. Students with learning disabilities cannot get grades that reflect their true potential unless they have been diagnosed and are being helped. This can cause a great deal of frustration. Some students get failing grades as a result. However, there are also students who have difficulties, but still manage to get average grades," said Miri, 10th grade guidance counselor.

If you have any questions, go talk to one of Amal's counselors. They are always willing to listen, give advice and help out. You won't be disappointed.

This article previously appeared in The Amal Sun - The Student Newspaper of Amal Aleph Ramla, May 1998.

Amal Aleph Ramla school site