This study compared the use of reference cohesion in oral narratives produced by 93 students with and without learning disabilities (LD), ages 8-13 years. Results indicated significant group, age, and task effects. The specific kinds of reference cohesion problems exhibited by LD students involved accuracy of use and distance between reference…

This study, with 19 fifth graders having learning disabilities (LD) and 20 fifth graders without LD, examined cognitive and motivational variables. Although some differences between groups were found, differences in the motivational and cognitive variables generally cut across a priori categories of children with and without LD, forming three…

Describes FERRET, an expert system that was developed to help identify teaching strategies for students with learning disabilities. Expert systems are explained; applications of FERRET are discussed, including classroom help and teacher education; and the present and future potential of FERRET is considered. (LRW)

The special needs of college students with learning disabilities are often challenging because of the variety of disabilities and accommodations. An alternative, parallel Spanish course at Old Dominion is described in the larger context of postsecondary foreign-language requirements. (Contains 25 references.) (Author/LB)

The Lab School of Washington (LSW) is one school that has had remarkable success in helping learning-disabled students beat the odds for failure. In a recent study of 4 graduating classes, there were no dropouts, and the rate for entering college was more than 73%. The philosophy of the school and its implementation is discussed. (JPS)

This article reviews the literature on the effectiveness of grade retention for high-risk students and discusses the implications of this research for students with learning disabilities. It notes that, despite evidence that retention is ineffective for most students, many educators and laypersons continue to support this practice. (DB)

This article considers the appropriateness of full inclusion for all students with learning disabilities. It clarifies the relevant terminology and examines the premises and assumptions of full inclusion. Preservation of the continuum of alternative placements for students with learning disabilities is recommended. (Author/DB)

Based on results of work from British schools, this article identifies ten effective ways of responding to challenging behaviors of pupils with severe learning disabilities, including helping the pupil to establish positive relations with one adult, focusing on teaching language and communication, allowing the pupil to opt out of activities, and…

This article discusses using a group contingency as a technique to increase appropriate behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior of students with learning disabilities who are either in regular classrooms or special classes. The advantages and disadvantages of three types of group contingencies (dependent group contingency, independent group…

Strategies to optimize spelling instruction for students with learning disabilities are presented. Teacher-directed techniques involve a test-teach-test sequence, reduced word lists, reinforcement, imitation plus modeling, analogy strategy, and constant time delay. Eight study techniques to help students improve their spelling skills are also…

Components of word recognition were studied for 19 dyslexic Norwegian 15-year olds and 19 normal readers matched for relevant variables other than reading ability. Phonological ability was the main factor influencing the variance in word reading among normal readers, but this factor had no significant role for dyslexics. (SLD)

Describes a program designed to educate dyslexic students with above-average intelligence using multisensory teaching methods, such as manipulative teaching aids. Indicates that the program's college preparatory curriculum differs from that of other classes only in the use of the special teaching methods, which can benefit all students. (MAB)

In one experiment and two case studies, peer tutors were used in a program with disabled students exhibiting aberrant behaviors in the classroom. Peer tutors received training on how to provide appropriate commands and specific praise statements, as well as to decrease negative statements. Results indicated that trained peer tutors were able to…

This article examines the problem of definition in learning disabilities. It discusses the failure of conceptual definitions to provide a clear idea of what learning disabilities are, examines the true nature of available definitions as stipulative definitions, and notes the difficulty in conceptualizing and implementing operational definitions.…

This study found that 49 adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) scored lower than 49 normally achieving peers on a self-image questionnaire. Later-diagnosed adolescents with LD scored higher than early diagnosed adolescents. LD severity was not related to self-image. Moderate relationships were found between parents' perceptions and…