An analysis of errors in written language as indicators of communication disorders reviews problems with assumptions that writing and spelling are phonetically based. A six-stage model of written language reduction is proposed that helps to analyze and type errors according to such classifications as neuromuscular, phonographic, and duplication…

Basic neurological facts pertinent to learning disabilities are reviewed, and the nature, significance, and limitations of the neurological assessment presently utilized in clinical practice are addressed. A brief review is presented of some of the classification attempts that highlight difficulties arising from the heterogeneity of learning…

Role of school psychologists in diagnosis of specific learning disability is described. Discusses problems of definition, misidentification, and overidentification and assessment of general intelligence, achievement, perceptual motor coordination, and personality. A model for screening, assessment, and the team evaluation process is discussed, and…

The case typing, or student profile, method of assessing learning disabilities is discussed, along with guidelines for adequate assessment, obstacles to adequate assessment, the characteristics of good remedial instruction, and pitfalls of individualized education programs. (SEW)

Procedures that have been used for assessing a discrepancy between ability and achievement of students suspected to have a learning disability are examined. Methodological deficiencies and/or unavailability of conclusive validity evidence are cited to support the conclusion that all of the procedures are worthless for screening purposes. (SEW)

Some of the critical factors that have prevented equitable treatment of the minority student with learning disabilities are considered. Attention is directed to definitional issues, discriminatory practices in special education, issues in identification and assessment, treatment considerations, and difficulties inherent in the differentiation of…