The article presents evidence suggesting a relationship between learning disabilities, brain dysfunction, and cultural-economic disadvantage. The inclusion of disadvantaged children within the learning disability framework of services is recommended. (Author/DB)

The development of a new definition of learning disabilities accepted by organizations comprising the National Joint Committee for Learning Disabilities in 1981 is reviewed including reasons for a new definition, procedures followed in its development, the Committee's intended meaning for each phrase, and the current status of the definition. (DB)

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions with learning disabled students were evaluated. Although all authors favored tutoring, equivocal results were reported with few substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are identified. A chart…

The study describes a computer-assisted instruction program that implemented a constant time delay procedure to teach the spelling of 15 state names to a sixth grader with a history of spelling disabilities. Maintenance and generalization of training effects also occurred. (Author/DB)

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)