A leading educationist's attitude towards learning difficulties is being described as backward.

Secondary Principals' Association president Tom Parsons is claiming too many kids are being diagnosed with learning difficulties and it's causing too much work for schools.

Green MP Catherine Delahunty is shocked someone in Mr Parsons' position has such a 1950s-style view of learning differences.

"It's very dissapointing when someone in a leadership role acts as if we should write these kids off or ignore these kids and they'll sink or swim."

Ms Delahunty says if anything, learning disabilities are being under-diagnosed and many students are receiving insufficient support.