The author introduces 10 articles on language arts and learning disabilities (LD) and presents evidence for her contention that reading should be viewed within the context of a general model of language. For related information see EC 132 759-768. (CL)

The effects of electromyogram (EMG) biofeedback training on cursive handwriting were investigated with nine fourth graders. A significant reduction in EMG between the first baseline session and last training session was obtained. Four of five characteristics of handwriting improved significantly. (Author/SBH)

The author reviews the role of the school nurse in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Eight behavioral characteristics of learning disability, such as hyperactivity, are listed and the causes of the disability are discussed. Aspects of the nurse's role in health assessment are outlined, including the aspects of a health history and…

The use of instructional expedients, practices (such as grading) that are distinct from learning objectives but help to implement those objectives, is discussed, particularly as it relates to language instruction. (SBH)

The Matching Familiar Figures Test was administered to 8- to 9- and 10- to 11-year-old learning disabled (N=30) and normal (N=30) boys. Time and error data were analyzed separately and in combination to yield two additional variables: impulsivity and efficiency. (Author)

The temporal stability of three levels (primary I, primary II, and elementary) of the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) when administered to children with learning disabilities was investigated. It was concluded that the MAT is reliable when used with learning disabled children. (Author/SBH)

The findings indicated that applied behavioral analysis focusing on antecedent events of comprehension training can teach Ss to comprehend reversible passive and clause constructions. (Author/CL)

To test the suggestion that a deficit in selective attention is characteristic of learning disabled (LD) but not hyperactive (H) children, 72 students (12 LDH, 12 H, and 36 normal Ss) were timed on visual search tasks. (Author)

The role of memory deficits in learning disabilities (LD) was examined. It is argued that a shift in emphasis is necessary from standardized test results to the processes which underpin performance on such tests. (Author)

Describes a study which examined learning disabled children's understanding of conversational rules for initiating repair of a communication breakdown. Results show learning disabled children were less likely to request clarification of inadequate messages and made fewer correct referent choices than normal children, but analyses suggest this…

Being labeled as different may alienate learning disabled children from "normal society." If children reject social institutions (such as school), they may seek alternative, frequently delinquent, activities. Since adjudicated delinquents of normal intelligence show a significant degree of academic underachievement, correctional programs must…

The characteristics of recent research on learning disabilities were examined in a survey of all articles on learning disabilities published in eight major journals during the last three years. The content areas addressed in this research appear to have changed dramatically from research conducted prior to 1970. (Author)

A system for translating clinical information into automatic data processing language and format was developed for use in a comprehensive learning disabilities diagnostic clinic. This allows for many cross-sectional and longitudinal research studies, as well as more consistent and efficient flow of information clinically. (Author)

The results suggested that on a perceptual task not related to reading or mathematics, the addition of input from tactile and auditory sensory modalities does not improve learning performance and, in certain combinations, actually interferes with such performance. (Author/SBH)

Results of the study indicated that LD and normal children (mean age 111.4 months) process letters in words in either perceptual or imaginal modes for the attribute letter height. (Author)