An author of a paper (EC 602 060) that presents two causal models of learning disabilities comments on his interest in the research, how the research design developed, limitations of the research, and the need for replication with other disability groups. (JDD)

This article addresses the use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) techniques within regular education settings. Specific CBM decision-making strategies in the areas of mathematics operations are described. Successful application of these strategies in 40 elementary classes, each with at least 1 student with a learning disability, is also…

Because many drug-exposed children have normal-range cognitive abilities despite having some language-development and attention problems, schools do not have to build new special-education wings or teach these children one-on-one. Schools can serve these children best by setting up and coordinating intervention programs with other agencies. (18…

This paper presents a theoretical model illustrating L. Siegel's revisionist conceptualization of learning disabilities and then presents an alternative underachievement model. The paper argues that the alternative model applies standard regression procedures which would lead to a more appropriate definition of learning disabilities and applies…

Found that learning-disabled (LD) children used more task-relevant private speech than normally achieving classmates during academic seatwork, an effect that was especially pronounced for those LD children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Implications for intervention and future research methodology are discussed. (MDM)

After 72 sessions for 3 hours per week, significantly more children aged 5-9 receiving sensory integration (SI) therapy (n=35) and perceptual motor training (n=35) showed improvement in SI functioning compared to 33 receiving no treatment. Similar effects were found for subgroups with vestibular dysfunction only (n=11, 13, and 11 respectively).…

In response to Gresham and Elliott (1989), who concluded that a social skills deficit should not constitute a learning disability, this paper claims that current definitions allow for including social skills deficits. They propose limiting the definition of learning disabilities to intentional learning contexts, thus excluding social skills…

This article offers characteristics and definitions of gifted, learning disabled, and gifted learning disabled. Principles of identification and programing are summarized. The five dimensions of the Autonomous Learner Model (including orientation, individual development, enrichment, seminar, and in-depth study) are applied to program development…

Many schools are implementing collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches (cooperative teaching, collaborative consultation, and teacher assistance teams) to help teachers meet students' diverse needs. This article, which shows how a rural eastern Virginia middle school developed coteaching as an alternative to special education pullout programs,…

A study assigned children aged 6-8 with sensory integration (SI) dysfunction to 3 groups: 35 used sensory modalities, 32 received psychomotor (PM) training, and 13 no intervention. SI and PM administered one hour per week for six months proved equally effective in improving academic and motor performance but had little effect on self-esteem. (SK)

This meta-analysis of 33 studies compared the pragmatic language skills of 825 students (ages 3-12) having language and/or learning disabilities with the skills of nondisabled peers. The students with disabilities demonstrated consistent and pervasive pragmatic deficits in conversation, which were more attributable to underlying language deficits…

Techniques for using a terrarium to teach principles of environmental science and environmental awareness to mildly retarded, learning-disabled, or gifted students are suggested. Environmental cycles (water, respiration, photosynthesis), appropriate plants, and terrarium construction and care are covered. (DB)

This article explores implications of the call for reforming curricula according to sameness analysis for teaching children with learning disabilities. Replacement and modification of existing curricula are reviewed as alternate reform options. Modification is divided into good teaching approaches, supplementary activity approaches, and major…

Four studies, involving 8 learning-disabled (LD) children with extreme memory difficulties, 8 LD children with average short-term memory skills, and 8 average children (ages 9-11), found that LD children have difficulties recalling both item and order information. These difficulties appear to be related to inefficiencies in phonological coding…

A goal-attainment intervention dealing with completion of project-type assignments was used with 6 students, ages 12-14, with learning disabilities. Training in the goal-attainment procedures increased the number of projects successfully completed and the quality of goal setting and goal actualization responses. Subjects had difficulty generating…