My name is William Morris and I am an Academic Advisor in a program for LD college students at a large state university in Southern California. I am also currently a Master’s candidate and my focus is the apparent disproportionate number of left-handed males who have been assigned to special (LD) programs, particularly reading programs. My research thus far shows there are significant cultural attitudes which could contribute to this effect (if accurate) how ever thus far the evidence is anecdotal and limited. If you are a professional working in this field I would appreciate your input at my e-mail whether this has been your experience or not. Ideally a head count of total students and total left-handed students in the same program would provide me with a general basis with which to proceed. The replies will be treated confidentially and anonymous responses will be accepted. This survey is being conducted according to the guidelines of the Institutional Review Board. The results will be published on my website www.csulb.edu/~wmorris1 during April, 2002. Thanks for your interest. William Morris
Re: Left-handed LD Males
I really don’t think it is anything cultural. My husband is a left handed male and fared just fine. OTHH, kids with mixed dominanace (eyes, hand, feet, ears) do have higher rate of problems, according to some of the research I have done. This may be what you are picking up, although you don’t have to be left handed. My son is right handed but has mixed dominance—leads with left eye and left side of body.
Let me get this straight — your hypothesis is that it’s the left-handedness and attitudes towards that which is causing more left-handed students to be assigned to special reading programs? Do you think it’s the lefthandedness or accompanying characteristics (like maleness) that are behind it? This sounds fascinating.