"Specific Learning Disability" is by far the largest category of conditions served in special education. Unfortunately, few parents (and educators) really understand what learning disabilities are. Many erroneously believe it is a "politically correct" term for "mildly mentally retarded" or "dull normal." Further, while most laypeople have heard…

Briefly described is an instructional activity, the "Short Story Booklet," designed to aid exceptional students in grades 7-12 to put their thoughts on paper. The students write stories using processes of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing and compile them into booklets. (DB)

This paper presents a model for teaching written language to hearing-impaired students, emphasizing a high degree of student involvement with planning, revising, and rewriting as well as transcribing. Recommendations are made regarding direct instruction in necessary writing skills, including fluency, syntax, vocabulary, content, and conventions.…