After a multitude of studies across more than a century, researchers have failed to consistently identify characteristics or patterns that distinguish dyslexia from other decoding challenges. Many researchers and educators argue the construct is too vague and contradictory to be useful for educators. Nevertheless, attention to dyslexia in policy…

Most definitions of emotionally disturbed youngsters suggest that disturbances in the child's behavior patterns cause academic and social problems which affect the child and his peers. While the process of identification may be facilitated by operational criteria within a definition, these factors are noticeably absent from definitions of…

Sixteen directors of exceptional education programs, 10 supervisors of specific learning disability (SLD) programs, and 101 principals having SLD classes responded to a 14-question survey regarding the identification and placement of SLD students in Florida. Among findings were that principals were the most outspoken in what they considered…