Three intervention programs (psychomotor, self-esteem enhancement, and direct instruction) were conducted with 40 children who had reading difficulties. The direct instruction program resulted in the greatest gains. Post-intervention questionnaires completed by subjects, parents, and teachers indicated that perceived success differed significantly…

This paper reviews the implications of definitions of learning disabilities for the Regular Education Initiative. Since heterogeneity (i.e., developmental imbalances, intraindividual gaps) is characteristic of this population, regular classroom modifications alone are unlikely to meet these students' needs and thus special services will continue…

Concerns raised by the regular education initiative of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services include: the possible elimination of services to learning disabled students, the greater potential for school failure and its relatively greater damage than the "learning disability" label, and the inappropriateness of the…

Chronometric methods of cognitive assessment of learning disabled students which measure speed of response to elementary cognitive tasks requiring minimal prior knowledge are discussed. Chronometric techniques known to correlate with IQ and other indexes of mental efficiency and scholastic proficiency are described. (Author/DB)

Many educators believe in the stereotype that all Asian immigrants are model students. Many Asian students react to the public school system with bewilderment and/or disinterest. Discusses ways to understand the students better and to work with their parents to help Asian-immigrant students. Includes 16 references. (Author/MD)

Use of a daily report card covering academic and social behavior resulted in decreased inappropriate verbalizations by a junior high school learning disabled girl. Changing the criteria for earning bonus points had mixed results. (Author/DB)

Despite recognition that children with learning disabilities frequently lack social competence and peer acceptance, the focus of both diagnosis and remediation continues to be almost exclusively academic. To truly serve this population, it is necessary to attend to their social and emotional needs as well as their academic progress. (Author/VW)

Most conceptualizations of learning disabilities are based on discrepancies between ability and achievement, but the dimensions of this parameter have not been documented. Discrepancies for 83 third graders, 48 fifth graders, and 50 twelfth graders were compared. The use of ability achievement discrepancies to determine the need for special…

The correlates of classroom behavior problems for groups of 40 mainstreamed learning disabled (LD) and 40 non-LD students (grades 3-6) were identified from among various personality indicators. One personality variable--reactivity--predicted total problem behavior for the LD group, although reactivity and social flexibility predicted variance in…

Reviews background and definitions associated with learning disabilities. Discusses college admissions process for learning disabled students, including difficulties associated with using standardized tests. Recommends that colleges clarify their admission policies and procedures for learning disabled students and that colleges supply this…

Responses (N=22) to a nationwide survey of learning disability consultants indicated that 68% of states provided services for learning disabled preschool children; that funding included federal, state, local, and private sources; that various assessment instruments were used; and that consultants identified such major issues as possible negative…

The use of visual phonics can help beginning readers or reading-disabled students overcome difficulties in word learning. The technique enhances the ability to identify grapheme-phoneme correspondences (usually appearing in the middle of words and useful for decoding) and prompts the learner to generalize these correspondences from one word to…

The article outlines a guide to help special educators, parents, and adult service providers assist learning-disabled individuals in exploring employment and postsecondary options and enhance the transition planning process. Steps include developing an employability profile, identifying occupational areas to explore, and conducting exploration…

Studied was the development of a variety of grammatical-sensitivity and phonological skills in normally achieving, reading-disabled, arithmetic-disabled, and attention deficit disordered children 7 to 14 years old. (PCB)

The article provides specific suggestions of how speech language pathologists can use their language expertise in intervention with reading-disabled students. Strategies appropriate for use in individual therapy are discussed and the importance of collaboration with classroom teachers and learning disabilities specialists is stressed. (Author/DB)