To examine the potential of classroom teachers as primary screening agents for learning difficulties, 197 kindergarten children were assessed on 6 measures. Best predictors of grade 1 achievement were the Metropolitan Readiness Tests and the Myklebust Pupil Rating Scale, both of which can be administered by teachers. Contains 22 references. (SV)

Discusses factors that should be considered when designing multiple-choice diagnostic tests for use with microcomputer systems. Item content and characteristics are described, presentation of feedback and results are examined, database management functions are discussed, and benefits for students with learning problems and physically disabled…

Proposes an approach to deal with learning difficulties of children with special needs. Identifies three major needs of such students and recommends the application of this active modification approach. Suggests that responsibility for the student's failure always lies with the educational system rather than with the child. (KO)

This discussion of naturalistic interventions with young children experiencing learning and behavioral problems notes their bases in studies of competent caregivers and focuses on intervention in the child's usual environments, provision of experiences targeting functional behaviors, and caregiver skills that facilitate learning and behavior…

A prereferral model consisting of three components (information sharing sessions, peer exchange sessions, and peer coaching teams) was implemented in two inner-city elementary schools. Emphasis was on teachers assisting each other in generating solutions for student learning or behavior problems. Referral rates indicated that participants referred…

The Center for Individualized Instruction at Jacksonville State University (Alabama) provides individualized courses and services by integrating the Personalized System of Instruction, precision teaching, direct instruction, and computer-based precision learning. The center emphasizes student outcomes and has served over 18,000 students since…

The Child Behavior Checklist and related forms were completed for 171 boys referred for school-based assessment resulting from academic and/or behavioral problems. Adolescents consistently underreported behavioral problems relative to parents and teachers regardless of subsequent diagnosis. Implications of these discrepancies in school-based…

This paper reviews functional analysis' historical development as an important pretreatment assessment and analysis strategy for academic and social behavior problems. It examines seminal and influential studies to document historical and contemporary progression, functional analysis' contributions, and future directions. Conclusions focus on…

Describes a writing instruction project called the "landmark method" that fosters writing skills in students with learning disabilities. Outlines specific strategies that have proven effective in teaching writing to students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. (HB)

"Job role dissonance" may be experienced by educators who embrace an alternative paradigm for working with students having learning problems. Institutional and other obstacles to true restructuring and better service delivery may include legal mandates, the systemic nature of schools, parents' belief systems, and time limitations of staff.…

Presents a teachers search for solutions to the problem of students not listening in science class. The author discovered the sequential nature of aural Origami is an excellent method for getting students to listen. Used cassette tape recordings of the paper folding directions twice a week for a month. Students test scores improved as well as…

Based on the results of native and foreign language assessments of high school learners, it is inferred that students with foreign language learning difficulties have subtle but underlying native language learning difficulties, especially in the phonological and syntactic codes of language. Implications for diagnosis and teaching are discussed.…

Cognitive apprenticeship emphasizes a combination of authentic problem-solving experiences with expert guidance in lieu of decontextualized instruction. This article examines issues in cognitive science and describes a model of cognitive apprenticeship for providing academic instruction to students with special learning needs. (Author/DB)

This study compared teacher and parent ratings on the Homework Problem Checklist for 111 children (either learning disabled, behavior disordered, or typical; ages 7 to 17). The study found that both groups with disabilities experienced more problems than the typical children, and the group with behavioral disorders had the most pronounced…

Describes the characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs), indicating that they are an increasing part of the college campus population. Discusses nine steps that instructors may take to assist the academic success of ACOAs. Indicates that college staff must recognize the syndrome and provide a therapeutic environment for students. (14…