Examines previous hypotheses of the causes of dyslexia. Proposes that dyslexia results from a subtle language deficiency rather than from defects in the visual system. Discusses current theories and assesses instructional strategies for dyslexics. (ML)

The article points out that the label "cognitive" has been used to designate five substantially different approaches to learning disabilities: information processing, metacognition, genetic epistemology, cognitive behavior modification, and the specific-abilities model. Despite the similar label, the instructional interventions of these approaches…

The article examines characteristics and present or potential applications of expert systems technology for diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities. Preliminary findings indicate that expert systems can perform as well as humans in specific areas, and that the process of organizing knowledge bases for expert systems helps clarify existing…

Fifteen learning-disabled students, aged 8-12 years, showed marked improvement in their story writing when they used a word processor as compared to handwritten stories. Children with severe spelling problems made fewer errors in their word-processed stories. Reluctant writers tended to write longer word-processed stories compared to handwritten…

Reports on a study to examine a method for increasing spelling and sight word reading accuracy, by incorporating spelling and reading remediation techniques. Reports a mean gain of 2.6 years for spelling and 1.6 years for sight word recognition. (RAE)

The study observed 30 secondary vocational educators to gather data on the instructional environments of vocational education programs relevant to learning-disabled students. Data were collected on curricular content, curricular format, student behavior, teacher behavior, and teacher focus. Differences between exploratory and preparatory programs…

The study examined the communicative competence of 30 learning disabled and 30 non-learning disabled children (ages 9 to 13) in both referential and semistructured dyadic communication tasks. The use of both instructional strategies influenced the quality of subjects' verbal communicative interactions. (Author/DB)

Illustrates the use of a student-managed response-cost system using free tokens to modify the on-task behavior of 2 mainstreamed students--an emotionally disturbed fourth grader and a learning-disabled sixth grader. Subjects' on-task behavior as well as their academic performance improved after the program. (SKC)

Describes the fears, frustrations, and problems of parent-teacher conferences. Suggests that parents not wait for the first conference to start communication, that they get involved in the school, and that parents go to conferences prepared with written questions and concerns. (MS)

In response to a previous article, the paper argues that effective instruction of the learning disabled is most likely to develop from systematic theoretically based research though instructional studies can contribute to theory development. Research in many other areas is necessary to develop the powerful teaching methods required. (DB)

In response to a previous article, the paper finds weaknesses in the mechanistic worldview represented by the emphasis on information processing research in constructing a metatheory for learning disabilities. An alternative--contextualist--world view is proposed which is holistic, social, and developmental providing insight into processes of…

In response to articles concerning the author's earlier paper, the paper responds to criticisms concerning contextualism, the role of metatheory, distinctions between basic and applied research, cognitive components and specificity, the science of learning disabilities, neurological indices, model validation, and the nature of learning…

The paper describes an inservice workshop on learning disabilities for college faculty including the processes used to assess needs and promote inservice involvement. Positive inservice evaluations suggested attainment of program goals of providing information about learning disabilities and discussing ethical and pedagogical issues concerning…

Studied concurrent validity of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery-Children's Revision (LNNB-C) in learning disabled children categorized according to Verbal and Performance IQ differences. Found no significant differences between the three groups, thus failing to support the validity of the LNNB-C in discriminating between learning…

To improve problem-solving skills of learning-disabled students, five attributes of problem solution are outlined: the solution's permanence, starting time, length of time required, ease of implementation, and creation of additional problems. Based on these attributes, a structured method for rating and choosing solutions to personal or social…