Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

The article addresses the "identity crisis" which the author says faces the field of learning disabilities. Following a brief review of the history of special education, the logical positivism movement is described and challenged. In the final section the author emphasizes the need to examine values rather than facts divorced from contexts. (CL)

Four primary issues are covered: the role of different measurement models in disparities of LD children serviced across states, types of students served as LD but not actually LD, components of severe discrepancies between aptitude and achievement, and state of the art in evaluating LD students. (CL)

The cognitive problem solving model, used in an educational seminar designed to reduce anxiety of parents of learning disabled children through increasing their cognitive understanding, is illustrated in three case studies, two of which demonstrated increased understanding and more adequate functioning. (CL)

Outlines basis of current knowledge of hemispheric function and relates some of first steps in its application to education, including descriptions of tests used to assess cognitive functions of normal and learning disabled children. Warns against making curricular or methodological changes based on our present state of knowledge. (CMG)

The functions of career education for learning disabled students are traced in four phases: elementary level (career awareness), junior high level (career exploration), senior high level (career preparation), and postsecondary level (career placement/followup/continuing education). Components and instructional approaches of the Life Centered…

Data were collected from 14 remedial and 208 regular private schools and 180 remedial therapists in South Africa on such topics as problems handled, staff qualifications, and multiracial practices. Among findings are that 42 percent white and three percent Black schools offer services to learning disabled children. (MC)

A program in which behavior management plans are systematically demonstrated can help parents of learning disabled students carry through the plan at home. When parents are involved in deciding on target behaviors, record keeping, and actually implementing the program, the likelihood of success is increased. (CL)

A visual/spatial nonverbal approach to sentence development for the reading and learning disabled uses pictures, model sentence configurations, and function words. Students are encouraged to contribute their own written language that conforms to the model. Visual and sentence clues provide input to the right brain, encouraging language learning.…

Seventeen educable mentally handicapped and learning disabled students (9-12 years old) who participated in a self-instruction (cognitive behavior modification) group scored better than a control group on the operations area of the KeyMath Diagnostic Test. Systematic instructional variables (such as precise assessment and task-analyzed curriculum)…

A free reading program in which learning disabled adolescents select from a variety of high interest-low vocabulary materials can help motivate students to read. Students follow up the reading period by writing in a journal which the teacher reads and responds to. (CL)

The author raises questions concerning the nature of learning disabilities and the effectiveness of special disabilities and the special education services (including resource rooms and secondary programs that are basically extensions of elementary programs) for this group. Three organizational solutions concerning research, policy analysis, and…

A survey of 136 teachers serving learning disabled students indicated such results as that 82.1 percent knew about direct and frequent measurement; that 43.8 percent used the approach, expending 10 percent time; and that 46.4 percent did not use the technique due to perceived lack of time or skills. (Authors/MC)

Critiques K. Kavale's meta-analysis, which reported reliable significant correlations between auditory-perceptual skills and reading achievement. Concludes that Kavale fails to provide evidence that teaching auditory-perceptual skills is useful to learning disabled children unless skills are functional reading skills. (Author/CL)

Using environmental materials (such as the phone book and placemats from fast food restaurants) can be a motivating way to teach learning disabled students skills and concepts, as shown in an approach to reading, math, science and nutrition, and social studies instruction using a JELL-O brand gelatin box. (CL)