Traditional diagnostic approaches with handicapped and nonhandicapped children usually occur outside the instructional context and focus on the learner. Accurate conclusions about the learner, however, can only be reached after an adequate diagnosis of instruction. (Author)

The author reviews research on the use of the ability training model and the task analysis in diagnostic/prescriptive teaching for students with learning difficulties. (CL)

Causal modeling techniques were used to examine relationships among: (1) a curriculum-based special education measurement and evaluation system, (2) structure of instruction, and (3) achievement. All three constructs were stable over time. Teachers' accuracy in setting up student performance measurement was directly related to student achievement.…

In response to J. Lerner's paper (EC 081 334) on differences between the fields of reading and learning disabilities, the author stresses the importance of a developmental view of reading based on the theories and findings of J. Piaget. (DB)

Important issues pertaining to educating the preservice undergraduate special educator are discussed by critically analyzing literature from a nontraditional, multidisciplinary perspective. Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching methodologies are found to be inadequate once again, and suggestions are provided to expand the field's conciousness level by…

The paper suggests that the current aptitude-treatment interaction approach to accommodating individual differences in special education has not been proved instructionally useful. Formative evaluation is offered as a promising alternative that addresses individual uniqueness rather than dimensionalized individual differences. (Author/DB)

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of educators have used diagnostic/prescriptive instruction as a remedial system when working with problem learners. A basic philosophical controversy exists regarding two fundamentally different models--task analysis and ability training--which popularly serve to undergird diagnostic/prescriptive…

Eight language approaches in education of the hearing impaired are reviewed: language stories and drills, Fitzgerald Key, the natural approach, patterning, programed instruction, behavior modification, linguistic programs, and developmentally based programs. An approach is proposed that focuses on functional conversational skills, facilitative…

The symposium discussion topic, the current role of differential psychoeducational assessment and training in the fields of learning disabilities and special education, is presented by Lester Mann and then followed by six responses and Lester Mann's rebuttal. (CB)

Presented are comments on P. Newcomer's article (EC 100 217) on the limitations of the diagnostic-remedial model and benefits of the teacher consultant approach in assessing mildly handicapped students with learning problems. (SBH)

Presented is a critique on P. Newcomer's article (EC 100 217) which focused on the limitations of the diagnostic-remedial model and supported the teacher consultant role as an alternative to assessing the mildly handicapped student with learning problems. (SBH)

The author offers responses to five papers criticizing her article (EC 100 217) on limitations of the diagnostic-remedial model and the role of the teacher consultant in dealing with mildly handicapped students with learning problems. (SBH)

Discussed are innovative psychological assessment strategies intended to circumvent problems associated with traditional ability assessment of exceptional children. (Author/DB)