The study documented the existence of specific learning disabilities among primary school children in Botswana and compared the relative effectiveness of a behavior rating scale, a group test of visual-motor integration, and teacher identification in identifying such children. (DB)

The Strategies for Effective Learning (SEL) Unit at the Alberta Vocational Centre focuses on developing and teaching cognitive strategies for adults rather than simply diagnosing them. In its initial stages the SEL unit has begun the task of assessing the value of various strategies, testing instruments, and procedures for learning disabled…

The study evaluated the effectiveness of an adaptation of the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS), a child observation form, as a screening device for identifying learning disabled children in the primary schools of Botswana. Children (N=620) in two different primary school grades (standards 5 and 7) and two different types of schools (Setswana Medium and…

A sample of 74 Finnish children with mild learning disabilities and 57 controls were grouped into 5 subgroups (normal, general language, visuo-motor, general deficiency, naming) and followed from the third to the sixth grade. Results indicated that neuropsychological profiles were generally maintained, with changes related to progress in reading.…

The study assessed the utility of different factor structures of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised in differentiating Israeli male students (ages 6-16) with learning disability from children with emotional disturbance. Based on several comparisons the results indicated that only the modified A.S. Kaufman's factor structure…

This paper presents findings from a project to identify and pilot the most appropriate forms of learning support for students with specific learning difficulties. The specific focus is dyslexia among adult basic education students. The document suggests first that the tutor's awareness of specific learning difficulties be developed through…

The study examined the process by which diagnostic data on children thought to have learning disabilities (LD) are generated and used. Emphasis was placed on the validity of test instruments in common use in the field. Since part of the practical validity of any instrument used to identify an LD child rests on the validity of the LD construct…

This final report of a 2-year research project examines how the needs of pupils with non-recorded learning difficulties were identified and met in the mainstream schools of one region in Scotland. Non-recorded pupils were defined as those pupils who were identified as experiencing learning difficulty but whose difficulties were not pronounced,…

A survey of 103 Canadian and U.S. medical schools found 93 accepted students with learning disabilities whereas 10 did not. Only two-thirds had support programs, and half lacked capacity to diagnose learning disabilities. Twenty-five did not know they could administer licensing examinations in a nonstandard manner. Nineteen had no senior…

This literature review explores the phenomenon of dysmathematics and problems in its definition. Dysmathematics is suggested as a modern term for low achievement in mathematics. This document addresses: (1) concomitant variables associated with dysmathematics; (2) mathematical characteristics of dysmathematicians; (3) diagnosis and prescription…

A pilot study attempted to document the existence and incidence of learning disabilities (LD) among primary school children in Botswana. The study also sought to identify effective identification procedures and to determine if LD students are unique to technologically-oriented societies. Data were collected on 620 children from 4 schools (2…

This research project analyzed British screening and special educational provisions for the estimated 18 percent of the primary school population who have mild learning difficulties in the basic skills. The study sought to examine policy and practice at every level from the local education authority (LEA) to the child. Data sources included…

Australian guidance counselors (N=79) who received referral information in which sex, age, reason for referral, attainment, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) were systematically varied revealed inconsistencies when evaluating the likelihood that the child was emotionally disturbed, learning-disabled, mildly intellectually handicapped, or…

Detailed case studies are presented of six local education authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales which participated in the Screening and Special Educational Provision Project, a project focusing on the estimated 18 percent of the primary school population who have mild learning difficulties in basic skills. Each LEA's approach to special needs…