This article proposes a set of criteria for reporting meta-analyses of topics in learning disabilities. Application of the criteria to examples of published meta-analyses reveals the wide variation in amount of reported data, which could influence the summative results of meta-analyses and subsequent judgment of face validity. (Author/DB)

The importance and relevance of longitudinal research in learning disabilities is addressed, including its value in verification of appropriate hypotheses concerning particular developmental patterns and debunking of misconceptions. Examples from various longitudinal studies are given. (DB)

Computers have the potential to help adults with learning difficulties in innovative and empowering ways. Promising developments include touch screens, voice recognition, and multimedia. (SK)

Presents a study that examined the differences between mathematically disabled children and mathematically normal children in a cross-sectional perspective. Concludes that mathematically disabled children need mathematics instruction to move from a focus on computation to strategy-learning activities. Contains 44 references. (Author/ASK)

Examines the institutional construction of soft or mild disability by special education as a process of pre-incarceration in schools. Argues that labels of soft disability suspend the educational and citizenship participation of disadvantaged students. Outlines variation and inquiry as alternative concepts that may reverse the negative school…

Reports the effects of a highly structured individually administered remedial teaching program for children with reading difficulties. Argues that the reading accuracy and phonological awareness results are in keeping with the phonological-core variable-difference model of reading disability. Finds no obvious benefit in using IQ to select children…

Reviews research on reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities focusing on studies on instruction to improve comprehension of narrative text and expository text. Discusses emerging issues in the field, including use of socially mediated strategies, teaching multiple strategies to students, and teaching specific strategies as…

Analyzes the public and professional discourse of learning disability, arguing that medical models of literacy misdirect teaching by narrowing its focus to remediation. Considers how resurgent demands for behaviorist pedagogies make understanding their continuing appeal important to composition studies. Discusses implications for the college…

This article offers a guide to teaching the history of science to students with learning disabilities and provides a lesson template designed to engage students in a specific science event from the past. Activities including hypothesis testing and an historical role-play teach the vocabulary of natural selection and evolution using the landmarked…

This study compared students diagnosed with learning disabilities (n=2,053) and students without learning disabilities (n=2,200) on the Learning Disability Index (LDI). Subsamples of specific reading and math disabilities permitted further assessment. Analysis indicated the LDI resulted in a correct diagnostic decision only 55 to 64 percent of the…

Fifty-two students with learning disabilities (LD), half of whom were in self-contained classrooms and half of whom were in general education classrooms with resource room support, self-rated their depressive symptoms. Self-ratings did not differ depending on classroom placement. However, guidance counselors rated students with LD in general…

Suggestions for parents about talking to a child with a learning disability about the World Trade Center tragedy stress assuring the child of his/her safety and helping the child formulate questions and concerns. (DB)

In a survey of 123 students with learning disabilities, 21% aspired to professional/technical and 10-15% trade/service occupations; many had unrealistic ambitions. Those with ambitions seldom thought of dropping out and felt confident in their ability to find a job. Many are not taking courses related to their ambitions and have limited job search…

The stability of peer status of children (ages 9 to 12) with (N=38) and without learning disabilities (LD) was examined through sociometric measures twice in the same school year. Although test-retest reliability was good, children with LD were likely to lose peer status and be seen by peers in less favorable terms at Time 2 than Time 1. (Contains…

The special needs education and peer tutoring programs developed by the Maryland Department of Education reach the large numbers of inmates with low literacy levels or learning disabilities. They have been instrumental in making instruction more effective for all students. (JOW)