Three training methods differing in degree of abstraction (demonstration, slide-diagram, and diagram) were used to instruct adolescents (26 control and 21 aphasic) in the completion of two tasks. Results indicated that aphasics have a deficit of abstract thinking which can prove a handicap in training situations. Ten sources are cited. (EJS)

Investigation into research on diagnosis of learning disability indicates that the existence of this "disorder" is questionable. Diagnosing a child as learning disabled benefits mainly the school and the child's teachers. The educational system is thus given a mythical scapegoat for its failure to educate a segment of the school population.…

It was concluded that children who are exposed to varying and unpredictable auditory distractions in their classroom environments are better able to perform on a task requiring auditory vigilance skills in the presence of distracting background noise. (Author/SW)

In a survey of the 106 California Community Colleges, it was found that over 75 percent operated formal programs for the learning-disabled (LD), while an additional 12 percent provided informal services for their LD student population. Though diversity existed among the college LD programs surveyed, a consistency of process and practice was…

Data from reports of the federally funded Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs) are said to show that only three CSDCs adhered to all criteria in the federal definition of learning disabilities. The author suggests that LD should be adopted as a generic term for all mild handicaps. (CL)

The authors suggest that the confusion and controversy over definitions of learning disabilities have been unproductive. They review findings on the assessment decision making process and emphasize the need for a new perspective on assessment and intervention. (CL)

The column briefly reviews current research and thinking on such topics as a genetic basis for LD (learning disabilities), sleep electroencephalography patterns of hyperactive children, psychological traits of parents of LD children, early intervention for LD students, and external locus of control in LD schools. (CL)

Learning disabled high school students may fail in regular classrooms unless they learn to interpret verbal and nonverbal cues from their academic teacher. Videotapes showing phrases and body language of typical classroom teachers can be useful. The teachers must also be prepared in terms of the student's specific needs. (CL)

The author describes a system using computer technology to organize instructional materials in a school system or regional library so that teachers of learning disabled and other disabled students have help in the selection of appropriate materials. (SW)

Learning disabled (LD) children were taught sight words with mastery learning strategies, and a comparison group with methods that are typically used in teaching sight words. Results suggest that most LD children can reach mastery on sight words within a reasonable time framework if sound remedial principles are applied consistently. (Author/BW)

The dean of students, academic advisors, classroom instructors and professors, the chairman of the special education department, and possibly the campus reading center or reading clinic all should be considered as primary resources and support systems to learning disabled college-bound students. (Author)

The author supports the theory that for some disabled readers the nature of the form-schema (syntatic expectations) they make use of in processing text does not result in stable comprehension because their recognition strategies are linked to their past experience in constructing meaning from speech. Implications for instruction are discussed.…

The study investigated the effectiveness of a remedial reading program for 50 second and third graders with mental retardation and learning disabilities. All students were assessed the first and last weeks of the school year with the Pupil Profile of Reading Skills. Significant skill gains were reported for students. (SB)

The Learning Resource Support Program provides academic support services to learning disabled adolescents. (SB)

Beaumont College in Lancaster, England offers 2 year courses with emphasis on social learning and personal development (including career and leisure skills) for students 16 to 19 years old with physical disabilities and specific learning difficulties. (CL)