This article analyzes how the dominant image of reality in the field of learning disabilities is derived from the diagnostic model. The article proposes an alternative, normative conception of education that emphasizes the importance of caring, social relatedness, and community participation. (Author/DB)

This study compared the effectiveness of a videodisc algebra program with a traditional text-based program with 26 students with learning disabilities in a summer transition-to-college program. The videodisc group significantly outperformed the control group on posttest measures of algebra skill and also earned significantly higher grades in their…

This column offers two articles: one on problems in identifying students who are gifted and learning disabled and recommendations for working with this population; a second article describes a resource program for students in grades six through eight who are gifted and learning disabled, involving collaboration through weekly team meetings. (SW)

Describes a methodology that educators can use to appropriately classify students who are linguistically and culturally diverse. The article lists the student behaviors to observe when distinguishing a language difference from a language disorder and illustrates how educators can conceptualize student background and current status in selecting…

Examination of the treatment program for learning-disabled adolescents at McGill-Montreal Childrens Hospital Learning Centre (Quebec) suggests intervention can mitigate effects of even severe learning disabilities if it addresses consequences of prolonged stress and failure and affective and social competence as well as cognitive and academic…

This study investigated diagnosis of learning problems in 177 boys (ages 6-13) with behavior problems. The standard score discrepancy method and standard score plus low achievement method were more likely to identify children with above-average intelligence quotients as learning disabled, whereas a regression approach identified learning…

Surveys of learning-disabled (LD) and non-LD students at San Diego Mesa College (California) revealed few significant differences in the study habits of the two groups, though LD students required more assistance in math, spelling, writing, and reading comprehension. Discusses implications for instruction. (DMM)

Describes promising assessment practices for enhancing the education of students at risk for school failure, viewing assessment as the practice of collecting qualitative and quantitative data that are helpful in planning instructional programs. Teaming is recommended to help improve assessment procedures. (SM)

This article introduces several papers which discuss chronic illnesses that are frequently associated with learning disabilities, noting the relationship between the disease's pathophysiology and learning disorders and, sometimes, between the treatment of the disease and learning effects. The four papers in the series in this issue are each…

Seven students (ages 10-13) with learning disabilities were introduced to the write-say method, which provides immediate visual and auditory feedback following the administration of a daily spelling test. Compared to studying words on one's own, the write-say method significantly enhanced subjects' spelling accuracy in a brief period of time.…

A story format and discourse analysis procedure was used to evaluate the spoken language skills of 20 elementary students with learning disabilities over a 1-year period. Stories from memory were longer and characterized by more as well as different types of errors than were stories from pictures or stories based on games. (Author/DB)

A case study of an eight-year-old boy with learning disabilities illustrates a cognitive approach to assessing and remedying numeral-writing difficulties. Discussed are the sources of writing difficulty, assessing and fostering an accurate mental image, and constructing an accurate motor plan. Successful remediation resulted from nine five-minute…

Fourth graders with language and learning disabilities and nondisabled fourth graders were compared on tasks measuring primed picture-naming and item recognition. In the experiment, both presentation format and retention interval were manipulated. Results are discussed in terms of implications for disabled children's memory difficulties. (LB)

Examined influence of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, father absence, and family size on special education eligibility for 300 students. Results indicated that only socioeconomic status and ethnicity made significant contribution to prediction of special education eligibility, suggesting that legislative mandates to control for sociocultural…

This study of elementary-level students compared behavioral patterns of 27 children showing a low nonverbal/high verbal (LNV) intelligence test profile and 38 children with a low verbal/high nonverbal (LV) profile. Results confirmed earlier findings that LNV children are perceived by teachers as significantly poorer than LV children in many…