Learning Disabilities in Costa Rica: Challenges for an "Army of Teachers"

Abstract

Special education services in Costa Rica, Central America, have been affected by factors that most developing countries confront: shortages of trained personnel, the geographic isolation of a large sector of the population, and severe economic limitations. Despite these challenges, services for students with learning disabilities in Costa Rica have rapidly expanded in the last 15 years through the development of resource rooms, recargo classrooms, and itinerant teacher delivery systems. The history and evolution of special education services in Costa Rica are described, along with critical issues that impede the expansion of educational services to students with learning disabilities, particularly in rural areas.