Use of the discrepancy approach in defining learning disabilities is challenged, as intelligence tests do not measure potential, are not independent from what is measured by achievement tests, and are not powerful predictors of low reading performance. Use of intelligence tests in analysis, identification, and definition of learning disabilities…

In commenting on Linda Siegel's argument (in EC221505) that Intelligence Quotient is not causally related to reading difficulties, this paper argues that Intelligence Quotient is relevant to the definition of reading disabilities but that present knowledge may not justify its use in the selection of children for special services. (JDD)

This response to Linda Siegel's paper (EC221505) suggests some alternative explanations of phonological processing as a basis for determining reading disability. Discussed are the use of pseudoword tests, the relationship between phonological coding and intelligence quotient, and the relationship between phonological coding and reading…

This response to a paper by Linda Siegel (EC221505) on the relationship between Intelligence Quotient and learning disabilities addresses the differences between classification and identification, limitations in Siegel's conceptualization of intelligence, and the representation of the language and learning domains subsumed within the learning…

Issues that face learning-disabled students and their parents during the transition from a secondary to a postsecondary setting are explored, and recommendations are offered for consideration in resolving problems during this period. (JDD)

The parents of 1,684 children receiving school speech-language services responded to a survey assessing parents' views, needs, and characteristics. Parents fell into three categories: 51 percent wanted a more family-oriented parent-school partnership, 21 percent wished to be more involved within the existing service delivery program, and 28…

The study found that a computerized study guide was more effective than notetaking in increasing textbook comprehension with 18 remedial and 13 learning disabled ninth grade students in a world geography class. (DB)

The article describes teacher management and helping styles appropriate to develop self control in students having learning, social, and emotional impairments. Four styles (moral, compensatory, medical, and enlightenment) are compared. Obstacles to effective management are identified and include student factors, teacher attitudes, and…

Data from a study on silent classroom reading with 105 learning disabled students (aged 6-12 years) are reanalyzed using linear structural equation modeling. It appears that, when entry-level abilities are controlled, silent reading did not have a significant effect on posttest reading performance. (TJH)

Results from a study of 61 learning-disabled (LD) elementary students provide evidence that the Handwriting Scale included in the Test of Written Language is a valid measure of LD students' handwriting and that LD students have handwriting difficulties. (IAH)

The article describes the Parent and Child Tutoring (PACT) program in Adelaide, Australia, with children (ages 7 to 14) having severe reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and attitudinal problems. Both parents attend group workshops and one parent participates in tutorial sessions. The program has been positively received by both parents and…

The use of reconstructive elaborations for teaching content to secondary students with learning disabilities is described. The technique provides a framework for adapting all content-area information into more familiar, more concrete interactive elaborations. Its use with United States history in a recent study illustrates the strategy.…

Relationships among the two new and the existing writing tests in the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJ) and other commonly-used writing tests were investigated with a sample of 44 fifth-graders. Results supported concurrent and construct validity of the WJ tests. The multiple samples writing approach is recommended as an alternative…

In agreement with Coles (EC 220 146), the article presents: a sketch of how the learning disability field was born, the sociological reasons why the field inadvertently moved beyond its original intentions, and how Coles aims for advances in the theory and practice of diagnosing learning problems. (DB)

Data from three studies identified the cognitive deficits associated with reading difficulties as distinct from attentional deficits. The studies found consistent cognitive deficits (especially naming and phonological awareness) associated with difficulty in reading. Deficits were consistent across samples, developmental levels, definitions, and…