LEARNING-DISABILITIES IN COSTA-RICA - CHALLENGES FOR AN ARMY OF TEACHERS

Special education services in the country of Costa Rica have been affe cted by factors that most developing countries confront: shortages of trained personnel, geographic isolation of a large sector of the popul ation, and severe economic limitations. Despite these challenges, serv ices for students with learning disabilities in Costa Rica have rapidl y expanded in the last 15 years through the development of resource ro oms, recargo classrooms, and itinerant teacher delivery systems. The h istory and evolution of special education services in Costa Rica are d escribed, along with critical issues that impede the expansion of educ ational services to students with learning disabilities, particularly in rural areas.