Evaluated with 25 learning disabled (LD) and 25 non LD elementary level children was the Bayesian method to screen children for possible LD, an approach which uses the aggregation of data--objective test scores related to likelihood ratios and a known prior odds ratio. (Author/DB)

The paper examines issues concerned with the incidence of visual perceptual learning disabilities among deaf and partially hearing children. Evidence indicating a high incidence (15.5 percent of 682 deaf students) of visual perceptual deficits is offered, as is a definition of visual perception. The impact of visual perceptual deficits on…

The study evaluated the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJPEB) with 71 elementary grade learning disabled (LD) students. The following questions were addressed: (1) Are there significant discrepancies between ability and achievement, as measured by the WJPEB, for LD children, and if so, in what academic areas? (2) Are there patterns…

The paper summarizes four presentations made by members of the Pennsylvania State University Program for Learning Disabled (LD) students. An initial section considers the definition of LD and reviews a study on diagnosing LD in 12 undergraduates. The existence of a foreign language disability in students with good attitudes toward learning a…

A functional approach to the assessment of learning disabilities (LD) is proposed in the light of confusing and ambiguous guidelines for identifying students with LD. Problems in the current evaluation procedures include the concept that ability and achievement are separate dimensions of intellectual functioning and the potential for biased…

The paper describes a "mini-assessment" designed to help teachers understand the nature and extent of students' learning problems. A distinction is made between children with reading problems due to neurological differences and those with problems due to emotional, educational, or cultural factors. The importance of identifying and referring the…

The booklet, designed to accompany a videotape, explains the similarities and differences among students with learning problems, specific learning disabilities (LD), mild mental retardation, or behavioral disorders. Specific implications for special education in Illinois are outlined. The underlying problem of over-identification of LD students is…

A study involving 1,337 students in Arizona was conducted to compare the classification of learning disabilities across several school districts, utilizing the then-proposed Bureau of Education for the Handicapped (BEH) formula. Three types of problems were apparent: the basic concept of learning disability varied across districts; the areas of…

Evaluated was the extent to which 101 primary grade and preschool Canadian teachers were satisfied with existing screening and testing services for children with possible learning disabilities. Results of the questionnaire indicated that 79% of the teachers believe that testing beyond the assessments carried out in the classroom is a good idea,…

The booklet discusses the role of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in research on aspects of special education. Among research projects noted are those undertaken at the Institute for the Study of Exceptional Children: studies comparing premature with normal infants, evaluating the Infant Assessment Battery, measuring mother-infant…

An analysis of scatter among the Tests of Cognitive Ability for the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery was conducted on scores of 3,566 grade 1 through 12 students from the standardization sample. Large mean high subtest-low subtest differences were noted for each grade level and compared to Wechsler Intelligence Scale for…

A common practice in the field of learning disabilities is analysis of ability-achievement discrepancies. The reliability of such difference scores is an important statistic in such decision making. In the study, selected ability and achievement devices were administered to a sample of 99 fourth grade low achievers (half of whom were identified as…