Eight years ago, the editors of this special issue published another special issue focused on the topic of response to intervention (RtI; Vaughn & Fuchs, 2003). At that time, there was considerable interest in the application of an RtI model for providing services to children at risk for learning disabilities. The potential benefits have led to…

Data from reports of the federally funded Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs) are said to show that only three CSDCs adhered to all criteria in the federal definition of learning disabilities. The author suggests that LD should be adopted as a generic term for all mild handicaps. (CL)

The article raises questions about the resource room model as an educational delivery system for handicapped students. (Author)

This article addresses theoretical and practical issues in the provision of mental health services to address psychosocial problems of secondary and postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Examples are offered of case studies and interventions from two federally funded research/demonstration projects at the University of Minnesota: the…

This article notes the increasing emphasis on self-determination in the school-to-adulthood transition movement, describes four self-determination models, and outlines instructional programs to promote self-determination in students with learning disabilities. Emerging issues are identified, including redefinition of roles, importance of taking…

The 1982 position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities provides recommendations concerning preparation of professional personnel. Major recommendations include periodic evaluations of training programs and faculty, establishment of interdisciplinary training programs, structuring of practica to enable students to…

The author describes a process through which parents of exceptional children or school personnel in any community can organize a parent group for themselves and their children. (CL)

Discusses implications of the Technology-Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act (1988, 1994) for people with learning disabilities. It discusses the rationale for the act; its provisions and goals; and systems change and advocacy activities of state projects concerning policy analysis, funding, interagency collaboration, consumer…

The article reviews potential barriers to implementing the Regular Education Initiative (REI) in secondary schools and then discusses a set of factors central to developing a workable partnership, one that is compatible with the goals of the REI but that also responds to the unique parameters of secondary schools. (Author/DB)

A special education administrator raises questions about separating learning-disabled students from the regular education classroom for specialized instruction, proposes strategies to accommodate learning difference and address specific learning needs in the regular instructional program, and suggests the need to reevaluate the benefits derived…

A day in a learning disabilities resource room with children in grades one through six is described. The teacher used a personal microcomputer and no commercial software. The computer offers many advantages and rewards for children with learning disabilities. (Author/SEW)

Criticisms of traditional approaches to the assessment of student abilities and instructional program design are reviewed and alternative, dynamic approaches are suggested. A major feature of the suggested approaches is assistance to influence student performance and thus reveal the potential for change. The approaches are categorized and examined…

The paper questions whether the school consultation model which provides services to learning disabled students has a sound theoretical base. Included are an examination of 10 different models of consultation and their relationship to theory and a review of studies on facilitating the mainstreaming of learning disabled and other low achieving…

This article examines the effect of educational reform on transition services for students with learning disabilities (LD). Considered are effects of general education reform, the inclusion movement, teacher education programs, special education reform, and standards-based education (Goals 2000). The need for effective transition planning for…

The article critiques some of the flaws of mainstreaming, such as grade-level curriculum demands, reporting systems, standardized tests, teacher training, and the individualization of instruction. (Author/SBH)