The author criticizes an article defending the concept of learning disabilities and points out methodological concerns. He asserts that the term has not only not reduced ambiguities and inconsistencies in the definitions but has increased competition for diminishing federal and state support. (CL)

Among findings of a study investigating the effects of labeling children as learning disabled (LD) or emotionally disturbed (ED) on the assessment by 128 Ss of four case studies was that behaviors of emotionally disturbed children were more disturbing and less accepted when they were thought to be exhibited by a LD child than by an ED child. (IM)

This study examined the nature of instruction provided in 40 self-contained special classes for students classified as learning disabled, emotionally handicapped, or educable mentally retarded. Few differences were identified in teacher communication patterns, learner involvement, and instructional methods for students with different categorical…