Teachers’ Self-Assessment Regarding the Teaching of Students with a Developmental Language Disorder

Abstract

In Norway, as in many other countries, developmental language disorders (DLDs) are a common challenge that greatly interferes with students’ educational progress. In this study, teachers’ assessed special educational needs (SEN) competence regarding DLDs was explored. Four hundred and thirty-three teachers working at dyslexia-friendly schools in Norway answered the questionnaire. The results indicated that assistive technology (AT), special needs education, and years of teaching are the determinants of teachers’ assessed SEN competence regarding DLDs. Furthermore, with regard to DLDs, female teachers displayed higher competence than their male counterparts. The role of AT is crucial; therefore, we suggest that AT should be implemented in teacher education programs and in the education of SEN teachers. We also recommend that student teachers develop both theoretical and practical special needs competence during teacher education programs.