Explains how functional language instruction can be made useful for persons with moderate to severe handicaps who are also culturally and linguistically different. Explains how vocabulary and cultural information of the Spanish-speaking student can be included in functional language instruction. (RS)

The ecological systems approach to language ability and disability views language as context-dependent, integrates language content with other skills, and emphasizes higher level thinking. The emergence of the ecological systems view is described, and the ecological approach is compared with the more narrow approach traditionally found in school…

A service delivery model for language learning disabled adolescents is described. The model involves a daily classroom format which focuses on teaching language-based academic skills with an emphasis on learning strategies. Philosophical and historical rationales are presented, along with a curriculum implementation example. (Author/DB)

Research relevant to improving instruction for learning disabled students with mathematical problem solving deficits is reviewed. Using a cognitive-metacognitive framework, techniques for teaching both specific and comprehensive mathematical problem solving strategies as well as techniques to enhance strategy generalization are presented.…

The article provides an overview of the study skill proficiency (or lack of it) of students with learning disabilities followed by the presentation of 15 study skill strategies. It concludes with a discussion on the implementation of a study skills program including guidelines. (Author/DB)

Describes a new special education teacher's first year of teaching with 26 children, grades K-3, interweaving life skills with literacy skills. (SR)

The effectiveness of coaching active reasoning of students with learning disabilities was studied with 63 grade 4 and 5 students. Students in the coaching condition outperformed students in the two comparison conditions on immediate and one-week delayed tests of factual information and explanations. (Author/SW)

This article introduces a series of papers on cognitive process-based instruction for students with learning disabilities. Cognitive process-based instruction is defined and differentiated from the process training advocated by S. Kirk in the 1970s. The method's basis of sound theory and academic tasks is stressed. (DB)

This commentary on EC 603 155, which discusses enhancement of literacy skills in young children with learning disabilities, focuses on the cognitive/metacognitive mix in intentional learning, reasons for children's faulty self-regulation, changes in strategic behavior in reciprocal teaching over time, and power and knowledge of teacher and child…

A set of procedures for designing instruction and teaching concepts to students with learning difficulties is outlined. The following topics are discussed: (1) concept analysis, (2) concept definitions, (3) use of examples and nonexamples, (4) instructional sequence, and (5) diagnostic assessment. The role of technology in concept instruction is…

This article presents a graduated word problem sequence in mathematics, beginning with simple words; progressing to phrases, sentences, and paragraphs; advancing to paragraph word problems with extraneous information; and finally having students create their own word problems. Results from 67 elementary students with learning disabilities support…

This study demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of a constant time delay procedure (four seconds) to teach five elementary students with learning disabilities multiplication facts. Learning generalized to a paper-and-pencil task, to a different presentation orientation, and to reverse facts. (DB)

Mastery learning offers a way for teachers to offer individualized instruction to students and to help more of their students be successful in learning. Practical implications of using the mastery learning approach are described, followed by evidence of its effectiveness. (JDD)

Notes the increasing number of learning-disabled (LD) students in college writing classes and the serious lack of research and training in how best to deal with their writing problems. Makes 25 suggestions for classroom management to help alleviate some of the problems that LD students face. (SR)

The article describes programs serving previously unsuccessful students (grades K-8) who are gifted and/or learning disabled at the ASSETS School in Hawaii. Briefly covered are the ASSETS program/service components in the behavioral and social emotional areas, assessment, documentation, program evaluation, parent input/education; curriculum,…