This paper reviews current proposals concerning the definition of dyslexia and contrasts it with reading comprehension impairment. We then discuss methods for early identification and review evidence that teacher assessments and ratings may be valid screening tools. Finally, we argue that interventions should be theoretically motivated and…

The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) established new provisions for specific learning disability (SLD) identification, including: (a) no longer requiring consideration of IQ-achievement discrepancy and (b) permitting response to intervention (RTI) as part of SLD evaluation procedures. We discuss several…

After years of non-stop increases--national k-12 per-pupil spending is up by "one-third" in inflation-adjusted dollars since 1995--schools now face the near-certainty of repeated annual budget cuts for the first time since the Great Depression. In some states and districts, reductions will be dramatic--well into the double digits. And…

A national survey of the methodological content of 87 large teacher-education programs in learning disabilities/mild handicaps indicated that the dominant methodologies are largely the same as those commonly included in general teacher education. Within given courses, methodologies proven both effective and ineffective are stressed. (Author/VW)

The article examines advances and remaining psychometric problems in social skills assessment technology for students with learning disabilities. Assessment is related to a proposed definition of learning disabilities by the Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities which identifies social skills deficits as a primary learning disability. (DB)

A project that sought to describe current policies and practices for the recognition, identification, assessment, and provision for the needs of Scottish children with specific learning difficulties associated with literacy is described. Other aims were: to identify criteria used to judge the effectiveness of different approaches; to report on how…

Observation of resource room instruction of 66 elementary learning disabled (LD) and educable mentally retarded (EMR) students revealed no differences in instructional behavior of special educators holding differing teacher licensure and no differences in classroom behavior of students. Results suggest the categorical model is not appropriate for…

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two instructional approaches on mildly handicapped and nonhandicapped students' science achievement. Students were assigned at random to one of two conditions: (1) direct instruction; and (2) discovery teaching. The content of the lessons remained constant across conditions and focused…

A case study is presented of an elementary school preparing to implement a full-time mainstreaming program for students with learning disabilities. Based on observations, interviews, and surveys of students, parents, and teachers, it is concluded that fundamental changes in instruction are necessary for the regular education initiative to work.…

The study examined how adding students with learning disabilities (LD) to regular education classrooms changed the behavior of nonhandicapped students and their teachers. Initial observations were of mainstream classes containing no learning-disabled students. Observations were again conducted after LD students had been mainstreamed for 8 months.…

Forty-six noncategorically identified intermediate-level handicapped students were assigned to functionally grouped self-contained classes and were observed. Although special education teachers did not know unofficial labels applied to students (emotional disturbances or learning disabilities), they instructed emotionally disturbed children with…

Learning disabilities among adults are more prevalent than was once believed, although estimates of numbers are difficult to make. Problems faced by adults with LD include difficulties with academic and information processing and adult life adjustment. Many adults with LD exhibit strengths that enable them to compensate for their disabilities and…

The paper presents a comprehensive approach to evaluation of programs for postsecondary students with learning disabilities. The evaluation design is suitable for programs in 2-year and 4-year settings, and incorporates both process and product evaluation methods. The approach was used to evaluate learning disability support services at Housatonic…

A survey of 51 state departments of education focused on learning disabilities definitions, identification criteria, and operationalization procedures. Results showed the continued impact of the 1977 federal definition and criteria. Findings are compared with those from a 1985 survey and discussed in terms of trends, prereferral interventions,…

The use of readiness assessment rather than chronological age for admission to kindergarten is proposed. The article examines why this approach is needed, how it might be accomplished, and the relative advantages of admitting by readiness assessment compared to chronological age. (JDD)