**5. Research questions**

**4. The role of school counselors in treating students with learning** 

Students with learning disabilities have a neurodevelopmental disturbance with a biological base and cognitive implications. The biological background is evident in the interaction of genetic environmental factors that affect the ability of the brain to function effectively in cognitive activities such as perception and processing verbal and nonverbal information. These problems are long-term and impair learning in areas such as reading, reading comprehen-

Four criteria are required to arrive at a diagnosis of specific learning disorder: (1) **Criterion A**—difficulty learning and using learning skills in at least one of the following areas: inaccuracy or slow pace in reading words, poor reading comprehension, poor spelling, poor written expression or difficulty in numerical concepts, and lack of numerical understanding which has persisted for at least 6 months, despite intervention and assistance. (2) **Criterion B**—The area of difficulty is below what is expected for the chronological age of the learner and causes disturbance in learning. (3) **Criterion C**—Difficulties begin in the early years of school, but it is possible that the full extent of the problems arises only when the academic demands became greater later on. (4) **Criteria D**—None of the following factors fully explains the learning difficulties: Intellectual impairment, overall late development, visual or hearing impairment, mental or neurological impairment, psychiatric distress, lack of language proficiency in the

The effect of the learning disabilities on the life of the student is not limited to the school environment. It permeates every area of life, but it is within the framework of the institutions of formal learning that the learner experiences the greatest difficulties. The areas that present

The mission of the school counselor working with students with learning disabilities is to enhance the educational experience of both the individual and the school by creating a cultural environment, respectful of the rights of the students [1]. The work of the school coun-

**1. Work with the administration:** The counselor is a partner with the administration in the school in decision-making and locating and identifying the population in need of

**2. Work with the staff:** The school counselor provides assistance to staff both to individuals and groups training and developing the educational and therapeutic (teachers, assistants,

**3. Placement, absorption, and transfers:** The school counselor makes referrals, diagnoses, and placements so that the educational and therapeutic environment is appropriate for the

**4. Developmental programs from preschool to age 21—life skills:** The school counselor promotes implementation of developmental programs in keeping with the particular

volunteers) in the best approach and in development and prevention.

the greatest problems in school are reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics [14].

**disabilities**

126 Active Learning - Beyond the Future

sion, writing, spelling, and mathematics [13].

language used for studying, and poor instruction [13].

selor can be summarized in the following ways:

assistance.

personality of each student.

needs of each school.

