A model of the teaching-learning process to promote learning disabled students' mastery of basic academic skills is presented. The model considered psychological and social conditions of learning and reflects classroom environmental complexity. The central tenet of the model is that learning is a direct result of students' activities and pursuits.…

Four studies in 12 urban high schools explored accommodative powers of mainstream secondary schools and effects of teachers' attitudes and student behaviors. Findings suggested that mainstream teachers recognize the low achievement of learning disabled students but do very little that is different instructionally when these students are assigned…

The study presents normative data on Masking Level Difference (an improvement of the auditory processing of interaural time/intensity differences between signals and masking noises) for 90 learning disabled persons (4-35 years old). It was concluded that the MLD may quickly screen for auditory processing problems. (CL)

Performance on a standardized self-concept scale was examined in samples of primary and middle school learning disabled and nondisabled students. Results indicated that learning disabled students had significantly lower self-concepts than nondisabled students. Also explores differences between self-concept as a function of sex and social class.…

The students who receive special education for mild learning handicaps are typically male. Differences in brain function seem to be a major factor. (MT)

Results of a statewide teacher stress survey conducted with 187 teachers of learning disabled students and 178 teachers of nonlearning disabled handicapped students (total N = 365) revealed that LD teachers differed from NLD teachers in terms of experience, educational status, and caseload size; there were similarities in terms of job…

Principals should perform functions in three major areas: (1) interpersonal relationships (leader, figurehead, liaison); (2) information processing (disseminator, spokesperson); and (3) decision making (change agent, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator, and evaluator). (CL)

For learning handicapped children with impaired language associations, patterns, and expressions, this paper summarizes relevant linguistic research and instructional strategies. Linguistic auditory memory pattern exercises and examples are then presented as an integrated multisensory approach which has been found useful by special educators.…

A revision of the Reading-Free Vocational Interest to eliminate sex bias in the inventory produced a common item pool for males and females, desexed grammar and vocabulary and altered pictorial items. New norms include the learning disabled, adult mentally retarded, and younger educable mentally retarded individuals. (Author/CL)

The article notes correlations between lefthandedness and the incidence of immune disorders (such as ileitis, colitis, celiac disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis), with learning disorders and with early grey hair. Eventual control of the hormonal and immune environment (in addition to educational intervention) may prevent or minimize these…

Thirty academically achieving and 30 learning-disabled adolescents were examined on a battery of auditory language comprehension tests. Results indicated that 73 percent of the learning-disabled group scored lower than all of the control Ss on one or more of these tests. The importance of identifying auditory comprehension defects in the…

The Test of Sensory Integration, which measures preschoolers' ability to organize, process, and synthesize input from different sensory channels, was evaluated in terms of domain and construct validity, interobserver reliability and decision reliability, and retest stability. Results suggested that total test scores can be used reliably and…

Research is reviewed on the emotional and social needs of learning disabled students, including difficulties in understanding nonverbal communication, rejection by peers and others, impulsivity, pervasively negative moods, and difficulties in role-taking. Teacher education should increase emphasis on direct instruction of social skills and…

Increased postsecondary opportunities for learning disabled (LD) students have resulted from such factors as extension of secondary LD programs, advocates' pressure, and federal legislation. Characteristics of LD college students are summarized from the research. Steps in program development, from convincing the adminstration through funding the…

The article discusses the arithmetic achievement deficits of learning disabled students, cites research on cognitive factors involved, reviews the neurological evidence, and describes orientations focusing on cognitive psychology and the instructional context. Recent findings of an arithmetic task force from Columbia University are summarized. (CL)