The IDEA reauthorization of 2004 highlights the application of responsiveness to intervention (RTI) to both early intervention (EI) service delivery and learning disabilities (LD) identification practices, creating the potential for wide-scale execution. Implementation of any educational reform necessitates more than simply changing practices: It…

Studies pointing to the relationship between caffeine-sugar intake and learning disorders are cited and suggestions to facilitate better nutrition in children are offered. Among suggestions made is that teachers be educated in matters of food, nutrition, and reading through inservice programs. A nutritional questionnaire is included. (SBH)

The article presents, in chart format, an overview of over 25 separate etiological perspectives on learning disabilities. Information provided includes the name of the perspective/theory, the diagnostic procedures involved, the type of children for which the theory is applicable, and the major proponent(s). (DLS)

The significance of research on hemispheric differences for working with the learning disabled child is considered. Several methods for assessing a student's hemispheric preference are reviewed. It is suggested that the curriculum include teaching strategies that address both left and right brain functioning. Techniques for involving both…

Answers eight questions concerning the teaching of reading to handicapped children. Includes background information on Public Law 94-142, discussions of mainstreaming and "least restrictive alternatives," and suggestions about instructional practices for use with the handicapped learner. (MKM)

Two types of elaboration are reviewed as potent strategies for the learning disabled: (1) modifications to make materials more learnable and (2) recommendations about elaborative strategies that learners can execute. A model of autonomous and flexible strategy use is presented with emphasis on efficient strategy application. (DB)

In view of popular press coverage of controversial approaches to treating learning disabilities, the article briefly reviews evidence concerning the following: neurophysiological retraining (patterning, optometric visual training, cerebellar-vestibular remediation, and applied kinesiology); and orthomolecular medicine (concerning megavitamins,…

Research on spelling performance of learning disabled students is reviewed and a case study cited to show that LD students can learn transferrable information about spelling through a procedure incorporating imitation, modeling, and practice. (CL)

Research on hemispheric and modality preference and implications for children with specific learning disabilities is reviewed. A chart lists information concerning performance of left and right hemisphere for modes of information processing. General and specific skill enhancement strategies for reading and general development are suggested. (CL)

The paper provides an overview of issues in postsecondary education programing for adults and adolescents with learning disabilities. Information provided is derived from a literature review and research and clinical experience. Definitional distinctions between learning disabled (LD) and underachieving students are noted and characteristics (both…

The paper reviews research, largely inconclusive, on diagnostic-prescriptive teaching and proposes a model for use with learning disabled students using neuropsychological test data to infer relevant learner aptitudes. Studies are cited to support the validity of strength-matched teaching and the use of compensatory teaching with severe learning…

This article reviews the efforts made since 1962 to define learning disabilities, discusses 11 prominent definitions, identifies important conceptual elements on which the definitions differ, and calls for a consensual acceptance of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition. (PB)

The article reviews theories of learning (e.g., stimulus-response, trial and error, operant conditioning, cognitive), considers the role of motivation, and summarizes nine research-supported rules of effective learning. Suggestions are applied to teaching learning strategies to learning-disabled students. (DB)

This article reviews issues relating to using homework with students having learning disabilities and then identifies empirically validated and recommended practices, grouped into four categories: (1) management considerations; (2) assignment considerations; (3) student competencies; and (4) parent involvement. (DB)

The paper reviews the literature on the use of guidelines to identify handicapped children, especially learning-disabled (LD) children, for special programs. Dangers of misidentification of learning-disabled children through rigid use of discrepancy formulas are reported. The paper reviews studies which support: the use of Bannatyne's four factor…