Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder: teacher knowledge and referral for assessment

Abstract

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in school-aged children As teachers are important gatekeepers for referring students who are in need of special services or classroom modifications, understanding what teachers know about ADHD and the factors that may lead to referral are important. First, the present study examined whether or not teachers were sensitive to academic achievement when making special education referrals. Second, the present study also examined if teachers could differentiate between ADHD behaviors and non-ADHD behaviors. Third, it examined the role of general teaching self-efficacy and self-efficacy related to teaching students with ADHD in making referrals and fourth, what are the sources of information teacher access for information about ADHD.