Over Representation of Learning-Disabled Students in the Public Research Paper

Over Representation of Learning-Disabled Students in the Public Education System - Research Paper Example The education of learning –disabled students is a big problem in many countries. The question of whether these students should be permitted to educate along with the normal students or in separate classes is a big question. Some psychologists and educationalists argue that learning-disabled students should be educated along with the normal students in order to avoid any feeling of discrimination. However, many others are of the view that separate classes are required for educating learning-disabled students properly since the educational methods used for the normal students may not be suitable for learning-disabled students. Because of the above contrasting views, the current public education system gives overrepresentation to the educational needs of the learning disabled students.   Overrepresentation of learning disabled students can result in the creation of stereotypes. Stereotyping is perceived as a big problem in contemporary society. â€Å"Stereotypes are generalizations, or assumptions that people make about the characteristics of all members of a group based on an image (often wrong) about what people in that group are like† (Inaccurate and Overly Hostile Stereotypes, 1998). Stereotyping or classification of people based on their peculiarities can create both positive and negative changes. It is easier to create stereotypes when there is a clear distinction between people which can be easily recognized. In the educational system, stereotyping may cause the destruction of the self-esteem of the students. Students always compare themselves with the peers. If they feel that they are some way inferior to others, their self-esteem may not develop properly. In fact, uniforms and other measures are implemented in schools in order to eliminate the possib ility of the creation of unwanted feelings in the minds of the students.