Evaluation for acceptability and utility of 5 common reading methods and materials by 32 middle school students with learning disabilities found the basal reader approach preferred over the other methods (language experience, direct instruction, multisensory, and neurological impress) which were all rated equally. (Author/DB)

A study of 50 elementary age Mexican-American, learning-disabled children and their parents was undertaken to determine whether sociocultural factors contribute to achievement test scores as they do to intelligence scores. Sociocultural variance reflecting family acculturation level is found to be related to achievement test performance. (24…

A case study is presented of a first-year teacher with learning disabilities instructing students with learning disabilities. The case study discusses educational and employment background, teaching performance and instructional factors, disclosure of the learning disability, support systems, advocacy for change, and variables contributing to the…

This survey of 40 northeast state universities and colleges found that criteria used by admission personnel to determine the eligibility of undergraduate applicants with learning disabilities are similar to those employed for applicants without learning disabilities. Criteria differ significantly among institutions, and admission personnel do not…

Surveyed 936 National Association of College Admission Counselors members to determine school counselor needs for professional development activities. Results revealed high need for professional development activities related to financing higher education; advising students with disabilities, especially those with learning disabilities; and…

Four mothers of children (ages 10-18) with learning disabilities were interviewed over a 1-year period. Their comments about services provided by educational and mental health professionals indicated high levels of frustration and dissatisfaction. Parental expectations and perspectives differed from those of educators. (Author/JDD)

Various client-centered, dynamic, and cognitive/behavioral counseling approaches are suggested for development of greater social awareness and competence, more positive self-esteem, and a more cohesive sense of self in learning-disabled adolescents and adults. Individual case vignettes are offered to explain both the rationale and strategies of…

Adolescents with nonverbal learning disabilities are characterized by poor fine graphomotor skills, poor organization, and inaccurate perceptions of social situations. Effective remedial interventions include training students in study skills, writing skills, organizational skills, and social skills, and in ways to plan, risk, and act on their own…

Research in self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) in composition was extended by comparing 43 learning-disabled fifth and sixth grade students in 4 conditions of SRSD instruction. Posttests indicated greater improvement for SRSD conditions with and without goal setting and self-monitoring than for the practice control condition. (SLD)

This paper reviews service delivery models used with learning-disabled adolescents and proposes two alternative models of services. Components of an effective program include intensive basic skills instruction, explicit instruction in coping skills, successful completion of classes required for graduation, and planning for postgraduation life. (PB)

Left versus right hemispheric auditory-verbal processing ability was studied in 28 learning-disabled children and adolescents, by measuring the influence on reaction time of the hand used to respond versus the hemisphere stimulated. The LD children did not develop the ability to suppress right hemisphere linguistic processes as a function of age.…

Describes common characteristics of learning-disabled persons, proposes strategies for library reference assistance to children and adults, and describes the approach of the Westchester Library System in New York State. Questions are proposed for further thought, discussion, and action. (nine references) (EAM)

Challenges in applying cognitive strategy research to complex knowledge domains in students with learning disabilities include the need to focus on deficits in domain-specific knowledge; adaptation of assessment designs to answer cognitive questions; and procedures for individual cognitive strategy instruction in group settings. A research agenda…

Nineteen special educators implemented Curriculum-Based Measurement with a total of 36 learning-disabled math pupils in grades 2-8 to examine the effects of goal line feedback. Results indicated comparable levels and slopes of student performance across treatment conditions, although goal line feedback was associated with greater performance…

This article explores the assumptions of traditional remedial and learning disabilities education and summarizes empirical evidence challenging this approach; examines the assumptions underlying whole language and the teacher's role in a whole language context; presents data on the efficacy of whole language instructional programs; and discusses…