This overview of the impact of Britain's Education Reform Act on special needs students in colleges of further education focuses on the transfer of power from local education authorities to unelected governing bodies, creation of a market-oriented system, the scope of further education, and creation of a system of financial delegation. (JDD)

The Structure of Intellect approach for assessing and treating learning disabilities is presented, including a behavior checklist and suggested home and school learning activities. The Meeker paradigm identifies three areas of student functioning: cognitive/academic, social/emotional, and physio-neurological. Procedures are outlined for using the…

Computer software that promotes creative and higher level thinking skills and develops writing ability in gifted students with learning disabilities is examined. Brief descriptions and appropriate grade levels are offered for such programs as "Science Toolkit,""Advisor,""VCR Companion,""Rocky's Boots,""Hinky/Pinky,""Story Sketches,""Author!…

Discusses what constitutes "reasonable accommodation" for disabled students in the writing classroom. Argues that because of the format and labor-intensive nature of most writing classes, writing program administrators should plan for academic adjustments to smooth the way for students with physical, emotional, or learning disabilities.…

This commentary supports Linda Siegel's challenge to the learning disabilities field (in EC221505) to produce data indicating that dyslexic readers differ from other poor readers in their cognitive processing, educational prognosis, and response to treatment. The commentary also points out that the existence of Matthew effects reinforces Siegel's…

A nationwide survey was conducted to investigate service provisions for learning-disabled students in two- and four-year colleges. The study identified postsecondary education service goals and options for these students as well as differences between the goals service providers have for these students and services actually provided. (Author/DB)

The article addresses what is regarded as unjustifiably pessimistic characterizations of memory strategy instructional research, and argues that solid laboratory research on strategy use is needed though much memory instructional research with direct classroom applications to learning-disabled students has been completed. (Author/DB)

Ninety-three elementary school minority-group children in triads of a low-achieving student, an average achiever, and a learning-disabled (LD) student were observed in regular education classes. Findings indicated that the low achievers were treated differently than average achievers and mainstreamed LD children. Teachers' instructional behaviors…

A rationale is presented for infusing computer strategies into the social studies curricula of learning-disabled students. Guidelines are provided to assist in choosing such computer tools as tutorials, simulations, word processors, databases, spreadsheets, and graphics. Suggestions for developing appropriate teaching strategies are also offered.…

Explains how functional language instruction can be made useful for persons with moderate to severe handicaps who are also culturally and linguistically different. Explains how vocabulary and cultural information of the Spanish-speaking student can be included in functional language instruction. (RS)

The proposed modified definition of learning disability by the Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities, which includes social skills deficits as a specific learning disability, is presented and analyzed from primary, secondary, and social learning theory causative hypotheses. Development of an adequate assessment technology is urged.…

Describes Electronic Networks for Interaction (ENFI), a local area network project developed at Gallaudet University to empower students with hearing impairments. Notes that this project can be adapted easily for use with traditional students. (MM)

The ecological systems approach to language ability and disability views language as context-dependent, integrates language content with other skills, and emphasizes higher level thinking. The emergence of the ecological systems view is described, and the ecological approach is compared with the more narrow approach traditionally found in school…

Short-term memory deficits are examined as precursors of learning disabilities in early childhood. The theories of Jean Piaget, Robbie Case, and Joseph Torgesen are reviewed to construct a theoretical framework. Supportive experimental studies are described, followed by implications for remediation and intervention. (Author/JDD)

A service delivery model for language learning disabled adolescents is described. The model involves a daily classroom format which focuses on teaching language-based academic skills with an emphasis on learning strategies. Philosophical and historical rationales are presented, along with a curriculum implementation example. (Author/DB)