Although data-based individualization (DBI) has positive effects on learning outcomes for students with learning difficulties, this framework can be difficult for teachers to implement due to its complexity and contextual barriers. The first aim of this synthesis was to investigate the effects of ongoing professional development (PD) support for…

This study examined the effect of schema-based instruction (SBI) on the proportional problem-solving performance of students with mathematics difficulties only (MD) and students with mathematics and reading difficulties (MDRD). Specifically, we examined the responsiveness of 260 seventh grade students identified as MD or MDRD to a 6-week treatment…

We analyzed two nationally representative, longitudinal data sets of U.S. children to identify risk factors for persistent mathematics difficulties (PMD). Results indicated that children from low socioeconomic households are at elevated risk of PMD at 48 and 60 months of age, as are children with cognitive delays, identified developmental delays…

Teacher ratings of 94 learning disabled and 241 normal girls, grouped as three age levels, on school emotional and behavior problems revealed that personality problem (e.g., anxiety, withdrawal) was the only factor dimension that differentiated LD from non-LD girls, and these differences were not apparent at every age level. (Author/CL)

Parent reports of behavioral and family functioning for 59 learning-disabled (LD) boys and 65 nondisabled boys aged 6-12 years found higher incidence of behavior problems among LD boys. Families of LD boys more frequently exhibited disturbed family functioning, although the boys in those families showed no more behavior problems than boys of other…

The article details a process to develop and test an instructional program designed to teach learning disabled students the procedural, process, and task specific knowledge necessary to solve four kinds of arithmetic story problems. Single subject and group research designs were used to evaluate the problem solving unit. (Author/DB)

Parents of learning-disabled children from eight families were interviewed. Seven fields of concern emerged, including parental involvement in education, parent-school relationships, support for parents, social concerns for the child, concern for the child's future, emotional strains of parenting, and effects on the family. (Author/PB)

Assessment of 121 nondisabled elementary boys and 107 boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ages 7 through 14 years, found significantly lower problem-solving scores in specific math concepts and slower computational performance for the boys with ADHD when reading and problem structure were held constant. Instructional…

This article reviews current knowledge about using computers to teach problem-solving skills to students with learning disabilities (LD). It presents the case for use of hypermedia to improve students' mathematics problem-solving abilities. Specific suggestions are given for applying hypermedia to cognitive strategy instruction and the graduated…

Problems encounterd in conducting attitudinal research include difficulties with sampling procedures, attitudinal measurement, and attitudinal biases. Implications for researchers include the need to address the attitudinal biases of each individual involved in the research and the need to develop valid and acceptable attitudinal assessment…

Learning difficulties related to childhood cancer were examined by comparison of 22 oncology patients and 22 children (6 to 17 years old) referred for psychiatric/psychological evaluation. Findings demonstrated, among children undergoing treatment of cancer, some academic vulnerabilities for which psychosocial aspects may not fully account.…

This study compared psychoeducational characteristics of 67 children (ages 6-16) with Turner syndrome and 27 nonaffected controls. Subjects exhibited selective impairments in visuospatial and memory areas; significant underachievement in arithmetic; poor social competence; and increased behavior problems, particularly in the area of hyperactivity.…

The paper discusses the effects of excesses and/or deficiencies in certain dietary components on the functioning of the central nervous system and the behavior of children with learning disabilities and antisocial behaviors. Nutritional modes of managing and treating such behaviors are suggested. (Author/DB)

This commentary on an operational definition of learning disabilities (proposed by S. Shaw and others) considers benefits of the proposed definition, such as clarification of discrepancy issues and flexibility, but raises questions concerning the proposed levels in the definition, the role of clinical judgment, and legal considerations. (DB)

Two studies--one involving 59 nonproblem elementary age children and the other involving 77 learning and behavior problem children (7 to 16 years old)--focusing on differential effects of strategies to enhance motivation are reported. (Author/SB)