Educators wishing to help low-achieving children must discard the concept of learning disabilities entirely and adopt a new way of thinking about children's learning problems. Learning-disabilities specialists should become learning specialists who understand the cognitive processes typically involved in acquiring academic skills, ways the…

Learning style preferences were identified for 1,264 10th and 11th graders in a vocational school, of whom 164 had learning disabilities, 45 mental retardation, and 32 socioemotional disturbances. The information is useful for matching instructional style to the best learning mode of students with disabilities. (SK)

Comparison of elementary grade students with (N=42) or without (N=42) learning disabilities (LD) on their logical-mathematical structures of thought found that, though both groups generated grouping relationships, children with LD tendered to generate solutions showing less coordinated structures of thought. For both groups, scores on the…

This meta-analysis examined 152 studies on social skill deficits among students with learning disabilities (LD). Quantitative synthesis showed that about 75% of students with LD manifest social skill deficits that distinguish them from comparison samples. Approximately the same level of group differentiation was found across different raters…

This study examined the diagnostic utility of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition Developmental Index (WDI), a measure of neuropsychological deficits. It found that the WDI performed at chance levels when distinguishing 611 students diagnosed with learning disabilities from those diagnosed with emotional disturbances (n=80)…

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

This article describes an activity, "four of a kind," to help foster friendships among elementary students in general education classrooms that include students with learning disabilities. Small groups of four students use a poster format to list both their individual characteristics and the things they have in common. (DB)

This study investigated the retention of stories by 20 children with mild mental retardation (MMR), 28 with learning disabilities, and 38 typical children (ages 10-13). The children with MMR recalled less than others, but all recalled story content with many connections on the causal chain better than content off the causal chain. (CR)

An individualized, classroom-based social skills training program was evaluated using 45 children (ages 9-12) with learning disabilities in special education classes. Thirteen children received a 6-week intervention, 7 received a 12-week intervention, and 25 received no training. Children in the six-week program showed gains in social skills and…

Describes how modeling, guided practice in controlled materials, monitoring and corrective feedback, and independent practice were used to teach contractions to six low-performing second graders, including a child with learning disabilities. Planning and implementation of the lessons are described and a sample lesson plan is provided. (CR)

Discusses turning the mathematics failure cycle of students with learning disabilities into a success cycle by using learning strategies and positive attributions. Identifies eight steps to success with learning strategies are as well as six steps to positive attribution in math. The attribution theory is also explained. (CR)

Describes 11 spelling strategies for students with mild disabilities that enhance student motivation and can be used to reinforce existing spelling curriculums with no additional materials. Some of the modifications include stressing the relevance of spelling; implementing test-teach and test-correction methods; using an analogy strategy; and…

A study involving 88 eighth-graders investigated the relationship between students' self-concept, both in a global sense and more specific areas, with achievement scores in reading and mathematics. Results found a significant correlation between global self-concept and reading achievement and a weaker positive correlation for mathematics…

Discussion of college foreign language requirements for students with learning disabilities considers how foreign language courses affect college admission, foreign language as a college graduation requirement, variations in how colleges determine course substitutions, and useful documentation for the substitution process. Insets list suggested…

This article explores new connections between the current literature base on adult developmental theory and the field of learning disabilities. Emphasis is on theory and practice in self-determination and adult development. Implications for special education, vocational education, general education, and adult learning are discussed. (Contains…