A fundamental assumption in the identification of specific learning disabilities (SLD) has been that the presence of a severe discrepancy between ability and academic achievement is a valid marker for the presence of a SLD. This assumption is based on the notion that discrepant low achievers constitute a unique group of children who are different…

The IDEA reauthorization of 2004 highlights the application of responsiveness to intervention (RTI) to both early intervention (EI) service delivery and learning disabilities (LD) identification practices, creating the potential for wide-scale execution. Implementation of any educational reform necessitates more than simply changing practices: It…

This paper cites studies on the interaction of depression and learning disability, examines the question of whether depression is a result or a cause of learning disability, emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis of depression versus learning disability, and reviews the incidence of suicide-related events among the learning-disabled.…

Suggestions for teaching students who are both gifted and learning disabled stresses providing them with compacting and differentiation in the areas of their strengths and direct instruction of learning strategies in their areas of weakness. The article also warns that the child's giftedness may go unnoticed and unaccommodated in favor of…

This study examined whether Texas students who are gifted and learning disabled are being identified for gifted programs. Survey results from gifted program coordinators (n=386) showed that few school districts (n=75) selected gifted children with learning disabilities for gifted programs. Fewer districts reported identification of these students…

A study involving 164 learning disabled students found that it was possible to use a discrepancy method (the most frequently used identification procedure for identifying LD children) that meets the requirements of the regression approach (the most desirable approach). (CL)

Sources of variability in identification of children for learning disabilities include teacher bias, peer tolerance, socioeconomic status, and assessment variability. Implications of these variables for research design and sampling are noted. (CL)

Based on approximately 1,600 referrals of disabled and regular students, 94 empirically derived formulas for assessment of learning disability were used. The most discriminating formula, which included Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wide Range Achievement Test and grade level variables, resulted in moderate coefficients. (Author/CL)

Thirty elementary school children in regular, gifted, and learning disabled-gifted programs were examined on three receptive language tests. Analysis of variance indicated that the "Token Test for Children" differentiated learning disabled-gifted, and the "Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude, Verbal Absurdities Subtest"…

Although indexes of scatter on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised computed for 100 learning disabled (LD) elementary children were significantly greater than values previously reported for the normal standardized sample, the substantial overlap suggests the inadvisability of continuing the search for a characteristic LD profile.…

The review cites methodological and statistical flaws in studies attempting to identify subtest patterns on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised indicative of learning disabilities (LD) and concludes that no LD pattern has been found and the search for such a pattern is not justified. (Author/CL)

Gersten, Jordan, and Flojo (in this series) review their research on math difficulties, with an emphasis on applying current knowledge to inform practices of early identification and intervention. On a practical level, educators are in dire need of empirically based screening and intervention tools. From a scientific perspective, it is important…

Batsche, Kavale, and Kovaleski (this issue) have done an outstanding job of summarizing arguments for and against the use of response-to-intervention (RTI) procedures for identifying learning disabilities. In this response, we raise issues relevant to the concept of learning disabilities, the nature of problems associated with standard…

The rising numbers of special education referrals have resulted in national debate and subsequent new legislation regarding the methods school districts have traditionally used to identify specific learning disabilities. The 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) now allows the use of a student's response…

This paper will provide an overview of research in the past 20 years into the relationship between dyslexia and various aspects of self-perception, including self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy and locus of control. Problems are identified relating to the measurement of some of the most widely used constructs, as is the need for more precise…