The study evaluated the relative effectiveness of three variations of a computer program designed to increase the sight-word reading vocabulary of 17 learning-disabled children in grades 1,2, and 3. No differences among the visual-only, the visual-auditory, or auditory-only presentation modes were observed. (Author/DB)

In contrast to traditional practices in reading and writing assessment which focus on fragmented, isolated skills, a holistic approach to assessment is recommended. Children's reading and writing are seen as communicative behaviors which are effectively evaluated through systematic observation as they occur in natural settings. (JW)

Compared the relative effectiveness of teacher-administered and self-administered procedures on spelling for four educationally handicapped children using a modified reversal design. Found teacher- and self-administered interventions resulted in gains in performance, although self-administered procedures during treatment phases produced greater…

In response to a previous article, the paper notes additional reasons for the deficit in basic research and theory in learning disabilities, stresses the need for more good systematic research using multiple methods, and suggests that a metatheory for learning disabilities is not yet possible or profitable. (DB)

Examined implementation of California's mandate that the simple difference score distribution model be used as part of state Learning Disability eligibility criteria in six California school districts. Results revealed that placement decisions were influenced by students' discrepancy scores, but that prereferral status (initial evaluation versus…

The article examines distinctions in the prediction and variation discrepancy models for identification of learning disabilities (LD) discussed by Gary Hessler. Related topics addressed include choices of ability and achievement measures, identification procedures (increasing accuracy), student referrals, and changes in the LD profile. (JW)

This position paper lists nine steps special education needs to take on behalf of adults with learning disabilities, including: initiation of public and professional awareness programs; comprehensive individual assessment; school programs that facilitate transition from secondary to community settings; and development of programs to assist…

Learning disabled students (N=638), students receiving remedial Chapter 1 instruction (N=451), and regular students (N=2,337) were sorted by reading skill level. Reading achievement emerged as the best single predictor of group membership supporting school social policy of allocation of service delivery on the basis of classroom achievement.…

Thirty elementary students referred for possible learning disability were administered the achievement sections of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery and several traditionally used school district tests. Identical student placement decisions were reached on 23 out of 30 students. (Author/GDC)

Two articles look at effective practices with the learning disabled. The first, "Facilitating Mainstreaming through a School-Wide Study Skills Program" (Gayle Smith), stresses one skill each month. "Semantic Feature Analysis: An Interactive Teaching Strategy for Facilitating Learning from Text" (Candace Bos and Patricia Anders) offers a method for…

The review provides a classification of learning disorders; current views on possible physical and chemical factors contributing to such disorders; neurodevelopmental requirements for learning to read, write, and spell; and a method for assessing neurodevelopment. Also noted are indications for the use of medication. (Author/DB)

A survey of 54 personnel preparation programs in the education of the hearing impaired found that most teacher educators believe there is a need to modify existing curricula in order to prepare teachers of learning-disabled hearing-impaired students, though neither separate state certification nor a specific teacher preparation program was…

Developmental patterns of responses given by 34 school-identified learning disabled (LD) and 40 normally achieving (NA) students (ages 9-14) on the Perceived Competence Scale for Children were investigated. Although relatively more negative than the NA students, LD children did not become more negative about themselves over a two-year period.…

Describes the controversial Deficit Theory in relation to Mary Mason's position that educational failure and linguistic "handicap" or "deficit" are directly related. Argues that Mason's position reveals a limited understanding of both linguistics to education and the process of sociocultural transmission. Questions the quality…

Two hundred and ten students participated in this study to assess the health locus of control and health status of secondary special education students. Educable mentally retarded adolescents were compared to learning disabled students and together they were compared to non-handicapped persons. Results are presented and discussed. (MT)