Explored the contribution of two working memory systems, the articulatory loop and the central executive, and short-term memory to the word recognition and comprehension deficits of children with learning disabilities. Results of 2 experiments with 150 children support the idea that poor word recognition and comprehension reflect deficits in a…

This article critically analyzes available definitions of learning disability. The general problem of definition is discussed first, followed by a discussion of individual definitions from the earliest to the latest. It is concluded that the definitions fail to provide substantive insight into the nature of the condition. (Contains extensive…

A study involving an elementary student with learning disabilities evaluated the effectiveness of a high-probability request sequence on compliance to a request for completion of a math assignment. High probability requests were effective in reducing the latency to compliance but only minimally affected duration of engagement. (Contains five…

The Self-Regulated Strategy Development model was used to assist six elementary students with learning disabilities develop a strategy for planning and writing essays, self-regulation, and positive attributions regarding effort and strategy use. Instruction had a positive effect on students' approach to writing, writing performance, and…

This tribute to Samuel Kirk, an early leader in the field of learning disabilities, focuses on two of his powerful ideas and their effect on the author's work and later research. The first idea is that effective teaching requires knowing the students well, and the second idea is that explicit instruction in skills and strategies based on known…

Reflects on research that investigated whether Mexican-American students with learning disabilities would be more cooperative with their Mexican-American peers than Anglo-American students with learning disabilities in cooperative learning situations (EC 618 919). The benefits of using cooperative learning situations are reviewed. (CR)

Demonstrates the merging of cognitive psychology, psychology of mathematics, and special education. Various models of children's addition strategies are reviewed and critiqued. Addition strategy with poor learners should be comprehensive and include interactions between strategies, knowledge, metacognition, motivation, and social factors. (MAK)

Mainstreamed students (N=37) with learning disabilities (LD) and an equal number of nondisabled (ND) high school students were compared on five independent variables: grades, time spent on homework, scholastic competence, global self-worth, and school membership. ND students reported higher grades and more favorable ratings of scholastic…

Describes a pilot program in New Jersey, that offered a free summer camp for 750 elementary and secondary students, including students with learning disabilities, to learn computer skills and explore the Internet. Tips for learning on the Internet are provided, as well as suggested activities and Web sites. (CR)

The independent contributions of ethnicity and socioeconomic status to intellectual and academic functioning in children with diabetes were studied with 58 diabetic children and 58 comparisons. Findings indicate that black children with diabetes, regardless of social class, are at greater risk for intellectual deficits and learning problems than…

Five students (ages 9-10) with learning disabilities and severe writing problems wrote in dialog journals using a standard word processor and then using a word processor with speech-synthesis and word prediction features. The special features had a strong effect on the legibility and spelling for four students. (Author/CR)

Addresses the issue of teacher purpose in using technology for reading and literacy instruction. Notes that computers were used mostly for motivation and self-esteem and not for raising achievement. Argues that educators need to critically think through the multiple realities they face as they consider the use of technology with disabled readers.…

A study compared academic progress over 5 years for 61 children with learning disabilities (LD) and 42 children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Findings indicated students with LD made significant progress over time in reading, and this progress was associated with receiving less full-time special education services. (Contains…

This article summarizes studies conducted with Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR), a program designed to enhance reading comprehension and content-area reading for diverse learners. It describes the stages of CSR development and discusses the role of peer-mediated learning in improving the social and academic outcomes of participating students.…

A study examined the effects of strategic notetaking on the recall and comprehension of 26 high school students with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation. Students scored significantly higher on measures of immediate free recall, long-term free recall, comprehension, and number of notes recorded than controls. (Contains references.)…