Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes a multitude of symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose due to a variety of international definitions. Research identifies different viewpoints on diagnosis and treatment including medical, psychological, and sociocultural views. Some research suggests ADHD is a social construct and is…

This article describes the historical evolution of U.S. federal education policy as it pertains to the constructs of disability and giftedness, which were originally treated as distinct domains. However, policy shifts and research initiatives revealed the intersection of the two domains, which led to recognition of twice-exceptional individuals as…

Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that although countries around the world must ensure that students with disabilities receive free, inclusive, and appropriate education, students with disabilities are less likely to complete primary or secondary school in many countries. Though this…

The definitions and educational policies related to learning disabilities have been updated throughout the last two decades since the passing of the Special Education Promotion Act (1994) in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). In particular, the definition of learning disabilities was entirely revised in the Special Education Act for Individuals…

Although researchers have studied dyslexia for over a century, there is still much debate about how dyslexia differs from other reading difficulties and how to support students labeled dyslexic. Nevertheless, dyslexia policy and practice are steeped in authoritative discourse that speaks of a definitive definition, unique characteristics, and…

This report summarizes and further develops ideas discussed at a national working session held on May 23, 2014, to examine issues and options associated with initially classifying English learners (ELs). It is the third in a series of guidance papers intended to support states in large-scale assessment consortia that are expected to move toward a…

The change in allowing school districts to use the more prevalent discrepancy model or the new addition of response to intervention to determine whether a disability is present has sparked discussion among educators. As districts decide which method to use, it is important to base decisions on factual and researched information. The authors hope…

Comparison of 19 national data collection programs found significant variability in the disability categories used. Discussion focuses on issues related to improving disability identification in large-scale data collection programs and the effects of these issues on reporting policy-relevant information. (Author/DB)

This paper identifies trends in the population of students with learning disabilities (LD) in the public schools and explores reasons for these trends. It notes that there has been a 198 percent increase in the number of children served as LD between 1976-77 and 1992-93 due to a lack of consensus on the definition of LD and school-level processes…

A survey of 51 state departments of education (including Washington, DC) regarding their definitions of learning disabilities, identification criteria, and operationalization procedures showed the continued effect of the 1977 federal definition and criteria, while revealing variations in state definitions and criteria. The impact on prereferral…

This reprinted paper was originally published in 1981 and addresses issues of classification of children with disabilities in the United Kingdom. It considers several "within-child" and several interactive models in special education and concludes by encouraging the stating of children's special educational needs rather than…

Explores current policies and practices concerning the definition, identification, and educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled. Recommendations stress the need for less rigid definitions and cutoff scores for program eligibility and the provision of a wide variety of settings (resource rooms, special classes) and…

Canada is a country composed of 10 provinces and three territories with very limited federal control over the public K-12 education system. This lack of consistent direction has led to a range of diverse educational policies for educating students with emotional/behavioral disorders (E/BD). This article investigates the current state of policies…

This report addresses states' definitions and assessment guidelines for the category of traumatic brain injury, newly identified as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Information sources included state policy documents from 19 states and interviews with state education agency personnel. A background section…

This study addressed policy problems encountered during the process of identifying and remediating pupils with learning disabilities (LD) in New York State. An ethnographic approach was used in the detailed analysis of policy as it affected 13 elementary LD students (from urban, suburban, and rural schools), their parents, and service providers.…