This qualitative study investigates the interaction between local and imported knowledges in a specific case of transnational importation; the whole-sale importation of the American medical learning disabilities (LDs) model in Kuwait. A discourse analysis of the narratives of local educators at the only school for LDs in the country reveals a belief in the value of the imported model over their personal, experiential and cultural knowledge in the education of students identified with LDs. I conclude that importation needs to be a conscious act or the result would be the total loss of local culture.