A survey of 35 postsecondary institutions with programs for learning-disabled students gathered information on the assessment instruments use to assess learning strengths and weaknesses and determine the presence of a specific learning disability. Results are reported, program characteristics are discussed, and suggestions for improving diagnostic…

Defines the concept of autonomous learning. Presents the Strategies Program for Effective Learning/Thinking (SPELT), including its underlying assumptions, instructional model, teacher training procedures, research findings, and anticipated future development. Research results include implications for learning-disabled and gifted students. (KS)

This study used a seven-stage instructional methodology to successfully teach a comprehensive test-taking strategy to six secondary learning-disabled students. Evidence of maintenance and generalization is reported. In the second article, answers are presented to questions about strategy training in general and this study in particular. (Author/DB)

IQ scores and disability labels can sentence certain children to lifelong failure. MAPS (Making Action Plans) is a collaborative process that brings the key actors in a child's life together to create an action plan to be implemented in a regular classroom setting. This article describes MAP's eight-step planning process. Sidebars describe MAP's…

Describes how a teacher used teaching techniques employed in a writer's workshop classroom to build self-esteem in students with learning disabilities, without changing assignments, requirements, or expectations for these students. Shows that growth in self-esteem was a by-product of growth in writing skills. (SR)

Discusses visual perception, especially with regard to lighting, as a prime factor in reading ability or disability. Argues that research indicates that improved lighting can help correct reading disorders in students. (HB)

Although educators are becoming familiar with fetal drug exposure, few realize how early alcohol exposure can cripple children's physical, social, academic development. Unlike some drug-affected kids, alcohol-exposed children seldom outgrow symptoms such as impaired IQ, impulsiveness, erratic sleeping patterns. Schools must identify and refer…

Notes that, although school counselors can play critical role in helping students with learning disabilities prepare for college, many such students are not being adequately served by their counselors. Defines learning disabilities, discusses gaining entry into college, explains school counselor's role in helping student access support services,…

The study, with 15 language-learning-disabled and 15 normally achieving children (ages 6-8), found a significant positive correlation between the severity of the language disability and accuracy on 2 of 3 imagery tasks. Performance on one imagery task was significantly related to reading achievement, and imagery ability was related more strongly…

Self-concept scores of 341 third graders (52 learning-disabled integrated, 164 nonhandicapped integrated, and 125 nonhandicapped nonintegrated) were lower among the integrated learning-disabled students than among their nonhandicapped peers. Results also suggest that integration may enhance the self-perceptions of nonhandicapped children,…

Superimposes findings of research in learning disabilities on Piagetian stages of cognitive development. Results suggest that during sensorimotor stage, diagnosis of learning disabilities is difficult. Findings suggest delay exists in cognitive development of learning-disabled children during elementary school years, which corresponds to…

Investigates the use of the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) study technique using nine secondary level students with specific learning disabilities. Finds that results of three experiments indicated that, even with direct teacher instruction throughout lessons, SQ3R did not produce a robust effect on literal comprehension. (MG)

The nature of strategy instruction combined with prevailing teaching models necessitated that the University of Kansas Institute for Research in Learning Disabilities create a new inservice teacher education format, based on such "best practices" as having ongoing training, requiring active and continued participation by key…

This study explored whether visual discrimination problems impair achievement in children with and without learning disabilities. Children (N=66) with learning disabilities were tested for visual discrimination problems, tracked throughout elementary school, and compared to a normally achieving sample. Results indicated lower reading and general…

This article examines issues in the assessment of secondary and postsecondary students who are both learning disabled and hearing impaired. It notes origins of the gap between deaf education and the field of learning disabilities; considers who should evaluate these students; and discusses formal assessments, informal assessments, and use of…