The article cites high costs associated with assessment and staffing of children classified as learning disabled. It is suggested that overreferral of hard-to-teach children perpetuates teaching deficiencies. Professional entrenchment is discussed, and placing a cap on the percentage of mild handicaps funded by state and federal governments is…

The tests used in the identification of learning disabilitis and the extent of knowledge specialists have regarding the technical aspects of tests were assessed. All groups of specialists tended to overrate the tests they used, and generally indicated a lack of familiarity with the psychometric properties of commonly used tests. (Author/SW)

This paper reviews issues surrounding the use of discrepancy in identifying learning disabilities. Since 1976, it argues, discrepancy has been the primary criterion for defining learning disabilities in practice. In a psychometric and statistical sense, however, issues about the best means for calculating a discrepancy remain problematic. Another…

This booklet provides basic background information on learning disabilities in order that the family and consumer sciences teacher can better understand the experiences of their students with learning disabilities. The following topics are discussed: (1) legislative initiatives affecting special populations; (2) characteristics of students with…

This report responds to Delaware state legislation requiring the development of proposed revised regulations for the classification of students as learning disabled (LD). The report first describes the current system, noting that in 1997 15 percent of the student population were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and over…

This paper was developed as a result of a 1999 conference on substance abuse and learning disabilities. An introductory chapter urges early identification of learning disabilities and appropriate treatment for both problems when they co-exist. The second chapter discusses the differences between learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, the…

This brief paper summarizes information collected from state education agencies concerning: (1) state-level special education data collected by gender; and (2) gender and special education issues identified as concerns. A section on the study's background notes that about two-thirds of students receiving special education services are boys,…

This package contains the Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory (LDDI) and the LDDI examiner's manual. The LDDI is intended to help identify intrinsic processing disorders in children and adolescents. Items represent specific observable behaviors associated with learning disability (LD) in listening, speaking, reading, writing, mathematics,…

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…

Describes a pilot project in Montgomery County, Maryland aimed at developing a clear, functional procedure for identification of specific learning disabilities. An interdisciplinary team is used to interpret test scores that compare intelligence and achievement, and serves as a consultant to school staff members. (JAC)

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…

Data from 143 children with reading disabilities (RD), 100 with arithmetic disabilities (AD), and 121 controls (ages 6-16) found the RD and AD groups had significantly lower scores on all verbal IQ subtests. Many also showed significant differences between verbal and performance IQ scores, but so did many controls. (Contains references.)…

Outcomes for infants with birth weights less than 800 grams, consequences for their families, and implications for primary care providers are considered. Early identification of difficulties, such as disorders of sensory integration and learning disabilities, and early intervention are advocated. Follow-up when the child is school-age is also…

This article explains the clause in the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 1990 (Public law 94-142) excluding from special education services students whose primary problem is an emotional disturbance. The history of the regulation is provided. (SM)