| Two-hundred thirty-five elementary school teachers were asked to read information about a student experiencing school-related problems due to Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), and to make grading and referral decisions. The teachers were provided information about T1DM at one of five levels: (a) No Disease Disclosure; (b) Disease Disclosure Only; (c) Disease Disclosure + Disease Information; (d) Disease Disclosure + Explanation of Learning Effects; and, (e) Disease Disclosure + Disease Information + Explanation of Learning Effects. Results suggest the need for even more assistance and guidance than a written description of disease impact, such as individual consultation, for teachers who are grading and evaluating students with chronic illness and contemplating whether to a make a referral for possible special services. However, once disease disclosure occurs, most teachers seem knowledgeable regarding which IDEA category may be most appropriate for referral. |
