Abstract
It was not until recently that schools in Japan were aware that there were children with learning disabilities and began to offer a real educational support for them. However, many practical studies on education for LD have brought about great change in the educational system of schools in Japan.
First, there has been a shift in the educational concept from ‘Special Education' to ‘Special Needs Education.’ ‘Regular Education’ and ‘Special Education’ have been different fields of education in Japan, so children who learns in ordinary classes but have needs for special educational support have not been able to sufficiently receive ‘Special Education.’ Today's education for LD which is based on the concept of ‘Special Needs Education,’ pays enough attention to such children as well as LD.
Next, we can observe another change in a growing understanding toward the importance of the regular classroom teachers' roles. Influenced by a report ‘Guidance to children with learning disabilities’ (1999), many practical studies on Special Needs Education are appearing in Japan. They propose that regular classroom teachers should be key persons when schools try to support children with special educational needs.
Education for LD has just started. To develop this education further, we should train specialists in LD education, promote the cooperated attempts of education and medical cares, and the participation of speech and language therapists who specialize in languages.
