Problems with restricting learning disabilities to a range of mild handicaps are noted and five areas of controversy affecting severely learning disabled students are addressed: definitions, student characteristics, identification criteria, educational methods and technology, and educational services. (CL)

The paper outlines educational options for learning disability students. Five options (from regular class placement with consultation to special education programs in residential facilities) are described along with seven recommendations for improved services (including continuity of programs and services, variety of instructional approaches, and…

The position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities examines issues in early identification, including assessment during the preschool years, delivery of preschool services, family involvement, and personnel preparation. Recommendations address such aspects as availability of early intervention and the needs of non-English…

A case is presented to reveal the existence of a relationship between learning disabilities and cultural-economic disadvantage. Evidence from a variety of sources is presented suggesting that the problem is most properly viewed as a complex interrelationship among the phenomena of learning disabilities, brain dysfunction, and cultural-economic…

For availability, see EC 103 600 Described is the program offered by the Child Service Demonstration Center for Urban Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (IM)

The article presents evidence suggesting a relationship between learning disabilities, brain dysfunction, and cultural-economic disadvantage. The inclusion of disadvantaged children within the learning disability framework of services is recommended. (Author/DB)

Observation of 26 learning disabled elementary students' over two entire school days revealed such results as that instructional approaches varied according to service delivery level. However, no differences were found in students' opportunities to learn through active academic responding and that academic responding time was low for all students.…

A survey of 301 randomly selected local education agencies was undertaken in order to estimate the availability and types of special services currently provided to specific learning disabled adolescents, the identification and placement procedures used, and the primary problems in service delivery. (PHR)

Results of a survey of 49 state directors of special education are reported in terms of degree to which secondary learning-disabled (LD) students receive content area coursework from special educators; the pattern and projected growth in such models; and the perceived adequacy of secondary LD teacher training programs for providing content…

Relations among social status, current service delivery, and service delivery preferences were examined in 42 students with learning disabilities (LD), 40 low-achieving, and 42 average/high-achieving students in grades 2-4 and 6-7. Most students preferred pullout service to in-class service. Only among LD students were self- and peer-rated social…

For availability, see EC 103 600 The authors identify and describe critical considerations in the successful fulfillment of the role of the resource teacher in the delivery of services to learning disabled students. (IM)

The development of teaching strategies, communication, and conferencing skills through microteaching and simulation are emphasized. Feedback is provided at several interaction points. The design for university training parallels the resource/consultant teacher program implemented in many schools. (Author)

The Iowa Learning Disabilities Evaluation Project studied the nature and characteristics of 917 students with learning disabilities (LD), focusing on gender, grade level, intellectual level, referral and evaluation, discrepancy between expected and actual achievement levels, placement, service delivery, and academic performance. Characteristics…

For availability, see EC 103 600 Presented is a comprehensive procedure for the development and implementation of an individual educational program (IEP) for learning disabled students. (IM)

To assess the delivery of support services from resource room teachers to regular elementary teachers involved in mainstreaming learning disabled students, the Index of Support Services (a list of 26 services) was developed and distributed to 228 regular educators for rating. (Author/SBH)