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Question from Steven, a teacher:

Is math anxiety a learning disability?

Steven,

Certainly some people think so. It is hard to assess based only on the words. Is the person so anxious that they
are completely unable to function? Somehow the threshold is important. Crucial, in fact. Almost all students are nervous, especially when we examine them. There is a difference between normal nerves (as for any test) and a level of stress and anxiety that significantly interferes with normal functioning as a human being. The danger of answering "yes" to your question is that it provides an excuse to everyone who is unprepared yet willing to asset that it isn't their fault. I think there is a body of literature on this matter. Try googling "math anxiety learning disability".

Victoria

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