A review of literature regarding learning-disabled college students and their reading problems suggests that these students typically have difficulty focusing attention while reading. Suggested compensation strategies include: using readers or talking books; requesting testing options; recording lectures; and organizing schedules to maximize use…

Learning-disabled (N=48) and nonlearning-disabled (N=48) fourth- and fifth-grade boys were given a task and told they had either succeeded or failed. Results indicated that learning-disabled subjects showed greater persistence, attributed outcomes to external factors, and did not exhibit lower performance expectations nor show greater expectancy…

Investigation of examiners' (N=44) evaluations of writing performance of learning-disabled (LD) students indicated that the LD label influenced ratings assigned by examiners (undergraduate education students) who were simply familiarized with the scoring procedure. Evaluations by examiners who received additional practice and training were not…

Evaluation of a Vocational Coping Training (VCT) intervention to develop job maintenance skills with 12 learning disabled high school female students indicated that subjects receiving the intervention acquired more job maintenance skills than did control subjects and were rated higher on social competence and employability. (Author/DB)

The article presents evidence suggesting a relationship between learning disabilities, brain dysfunction, and cultural-economic disadvantage. The inclusion of disadvantaged children within the learning disability framework of services is recommended. (Author/DB)

The development of a new definition of learning disabilities accepted by organizations comprising the National Joint Committee for Learning Disabilities in 1981 is reviewed including reasons for a new definition, procedures followed in its development, the Committee's intended meaning for each phrase, and the current status of the definition. (DB)

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions with learning disabled students were evaluated. Although all authors favored tutoring, equivocal results were reported with few substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are identified. A chart…

The study describes a computer-assisted instruction program that implemented a constant time delay procedure to teach the spelling of 15 state names to a sixth grader with a history of spelling disabilities. Maintenance and generalization of training effects also occurred. (Author/DB)

The study evaluated the relative effectiveness of three variations of a computer program designed to increase the sight-word reading vocabulary of 17 learning-disabled children in grades 1,2, and 3. No differences among the visual-only, the visual-auditory, or auditory-only presentation modes were observed. (Author/DB)

In contrast to traditional practices in reading and writing assessment which focus on fragmented, isolated skills, a holistic approach to assessment is recommended. Children's reading and writing are seen as communicative behaviors which are effectively evaluated through systematic observation as they occur in natural settings. (JW)

Compared the relative effectiveness of teacher-administered and self-administered procedures on spelling for four educationally handicapped children using a modified reversal design. Found teacher- and self-administered interventions resulted in gains in performance, although self-administered procedures during treatment phases produced greater…

In response to a previous article, the paper notes additional reasons for the deficit in basic research and theory in learning disabilities, stresses the need for more good systematic research using multiple methods, and suggests that a metatheory for learning disabilities is not yet possible or profitable. (DB)

Examined implementation of California's mandate that the simple difference score distribution model be used as part of state Learning Disability eligibility criteria in six California school districts. Results revealed that placement decisions were influenced by students' discrepancy scores, but that prereferral status (initial evaluation versus…

The article examines distinctions in the prediction and variation discrepancy models for identification of learning disabilities (LD) discussed by Gary Hessler. Related topics addressed include choices of ability and achievement measures, identification procedures (increasing accuracy), student referrals, and changes in the LD profile. (JW)

This position paper lists nine steps special education needs to take on behalf of adults with learning disabilities, including: initiation of public and professional awareness programs; comprehensive individual assessment; school programs that facilitate transition from secondary to community settings; and development of programs to assist…