Recommends that computer assisted instruction (CAI) be used for teaching reading, language arts, and mathematics to children who have difficulty achieving basic academic skills. Computer programs which have been used with low academic achievers in several parts of the U.S. are discussed. Seven references are listed. (Author/MER)

Three case studies of students with special health problems serve as an introduction to a discussion of the role of the school nurse in a community-based School Problems Clinic. The school nurse is responsible for obtaining medical information and making referrals, counseling parents, and monitoring the needs of special students. (JN)

The last decade has seen an increase of interest in early identification of children with potential learning and behavior problems. In the present report, the purposes of early screening are delineated and selected arguments against preschool identification and intervention programs described. Arguments favoring the early screening of preschoolers…

Suggests ways the classroom teacher can spot learning problems in the earliest grades and work with other staff and parents to intervene. (SJL)

The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) General Cognitive Index provides a good measure of cognitive ability of exceptional children. The verbal and motor scales also seem valid. Interpretation of remaining scales should be made cautiously as scales may not accurately measure abilities of exceptional children. (Author/JAC)

The developmental play (DP) approach enhances developmental and expressive communication through intense interaction between the child and significant adults. Children are encouraged to become aware of and to express feelings through play experiences and activities with adult partners. DP offers promise to those who work with dysfunctioning…

Reviews studies on the etiology of monotonism, the monotone being that type of uncertain or inaccurate singer who cannot vocally match pitches and who has trouble accurately reproducing even a familiar song. Neurological factors (amusia, right brain abnormalities), age, and sex differences are considered. (Author/SJL)

Highlights the potential demands for the services of the speech therapist. In a linguistic assessment, the therapist needs to differentiate between first and second language learning problems. An assessment procedure must allow a child to respond in either of his/her two languages and be given credit for such responses. (Author/PJM)

The authors present a definition of art games and a rationale for their use, particulary with special students. They also describe three specific games: The People Game, Go Look, and Texo, and explain how each might aid in remediating learning problems. (SJL)

Focuses on the effects of diet on personality and learning problems. Recent research in this area is discussed. (SA)

Standardized tests are merely a place to begin evaluation. As an alternative, criterion-referenced measures offer more specific information. The end point of assessment must involve diagnostic teaching and continuous evaluation of real-life task and setting modifications. (Author/CP)

Matched samples of Mexican American and Anglo children with learning difficulty referrals were compared on WISC-R subtest performance. The Mexican Americans scored significantly lower on Similarities, Arithmetic, and Picture Completion. Their Verbal and Performance IQ score discrepancies suggest that the major educational problem of this group is…

Current literature on hyperactivity stresses the central role of short attention, distractibility, and impulsivity in contributing to the child's behavioral and learning difficulties. Journal availability: American Medical Association, 535 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610. (Author)

Analysis of referrals of 204 children (grades K-5) to student study teams for prereferral services in an urban school district over 1 year found that referred students exhibited a mix of academic and behavioral problems. Teacher interventions typically "matched" the referring problem. Students with academic problems were more likely to be referred…

This review examined 18 studies in which video self-modeling was applied in school-based settings. These studies verify the functional control of targeted academic skills and behavior/s and support the efficacy of video self-modeling to improve student outcomes. Evidence for generalization across settings and maintenance over time is also…