The Learning and Behaviour Charitable Trust of New Zealand is made up of a number of people who all share a common vision, and christian ethos, of raising the social awareness in the area of hidden dis-orders, learning, and/or behaviour difficulties. In addition we are passionate about ensuring that those people who are otherwise unheard have a united voice.
International research shows that currently in New Zealand youth with Dyslexia / ADHD and low educational achievements are over-represented in juvenile crime statistics (80%), youth suicide rates (31%) and anti-social behaviour, such as substance abuse (80%). A large percentage of prisoners (50% approx.) have also been shown to be dyslexic.
New Zealand is one country that denies students in this significant special learning needs minority (10-20%) any funding or other process for identification and support in schools. The needs of this minority group are clearly not represented within Education 2000 funding. At the moment it remains the concern and responsibility of individual parents to find extra funds for assessments and remediation.
The LBCTNZ believes it is the fundamental right of all students with special learning needs to have their difficulties identified and remediation support available funded from within mainstream Education.
This is the priority goal of the LBCTNZ.
This group of students continues to struggle, trying to achieve academically, in spite of their average or mostly an above average intelligence. They are often labelled SLOW and are once again over-represented in the ANTI-SOCIAL or DISORDERED BEHAVIOUR category of learners and may feature predominantly in suspensions, truancy, expulsions, early school leavers.
| Wellington | |
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Moira Buchanan P O Box 40-161, Upper Hutt |
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Email: lbctnz@slingshot.co.nz |
| Palmerston North | |
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Philippa Brunn |
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Email:wp.brunn@clear.net.nz |
