A sense of school belonging has been theorized to be crucial to a childs positive school adjustment and may contribute to their future mental health. The present study investigated the relationship between sources of social support as measured by Harters Social Support Scale for Children and Goodenows Psychological Sense of School Membership. The…

This paper is a report of user studies for developing learning strategy tool software for children. The prototype software demonstrated is designed for children with learning and behavioral disabilities. The tools consist of easy-to-use templates for creating organizational, memory, and learning approach guides for use in classrooms and at home.…

This paper describes a five-phase, 20-week, computer supported reading comprehension instruction process, which begins with access to powerful supports and direct teacher-mediated instruction. The process involves five phases: (1) fully supported reading and strategy instruction; (2) strategy practice in a fully supported reading environment with…

A review of the literature provides the conclusion that individuals with a disability versus those without a disability are more likely to have a substance abuse problem and less likely to get effective treatment. Data suggest 10-40% of all individuals in treatment for substance abuse have a coexisting physical or mental disability. Alcohol rates…

This brochure, in a question-and-answer format, provides basic information about learning disabilities for faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The questions address such topics as the definition of a learning disability, diagnostic criteria, documentation criteria, verifying the legitimacy of a student's request for…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores issues surrounding gifted children who also have learning disabilities. Specific articles include: (1) "Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes" (Francis Cartier); (2) "Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Issues" (Linda E. Brody and Carol J. Mills), which examines current…

A study compared the benefits of phonological awareness instruction along with and without a phonics computer software program to improve phonological and reading skills in elementary students with mild mental disabilities. During the eight weeks of the study in the fall of 1999, elementary resource students were taught phonological awareness…

This study compared the perceptions of 227 ninth- and tenth-grade students with learning disabilities in regular and special secondary classrooms. Students' perceptions of their classroom environment and their social competence were assessed. Results showed that students with learning disabilities perceived regular classes as being better…

This monograph is a synthesis of research findings of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development research program concerning how children learn to read, why some children and adults have difficulties learning to read, and effective ways to help children learn to read. The review covered studies performed over the last 33 years at…

This digest summarizes research on methods of student grouping in reading instruction other than whole-class instruction and ability grouping. Peer tutoring and reciprocal-role tutoring have been demonstrated to be effective for students with learning disabilities because they are allowed to be either tutors or tutees. Cross-age tutoring has been…

The studies reported here focus on the effects of mode of administration of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in grades 4, 8, and 10. These studies, which draw on earlier studies, also examine the mode of administration effect at different levels of keyboarding speed and for students who received special education (SPED)…

The need for a better understanding and better treatment of learning disabilities (LD) in adult learners of English as a second language (ESL) is discussed. Such an effort should draw on both existing knowledge of LD in the first-language context and new research on LD and second language learning. The ethical implications of teaching ESL to…

A center that enrolls learning disabled pubils from feeder schools offers a curriculum blending career training and special education. (Editor)

Special music therapy programs are designed for children with many types of learning disabilities. Emphasis is on supporting each child's individual development. (ST)

Describes the new meaning of Special Education as it applies to a wide range of students with exceptional needs. (RK)