We examined dynamic assessment's (DA's) added value over traditional assessments for identifying Spanish-speaking English learners' (ELs) risk for developing mathematics disabilities, as a function of the language of test administration (English vs. Spanish), type of math outcome, and EL's language dominance. At the start of first grade, ELs (N =…

The purpose of this study was threefold: to examine unique and shared risk factors of comorbidity for reading comprehension and word-problem solving difficulties, to explore whether language minority (LM) learners are at increased risk of what we refer to as "higher order comorbidity" (reading comprehension and word-problem solving…

Results are reported for an exploratory study of eligibility decisions made for 21 Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) with learning disabilities (LD) and no secondary disabilities who received special education support in reading. Eligibility determinations by an expert panel resulted in decisions that differed significantly from…

Multiple studies have shown that kindergarten measures of phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge are good predictors of reading achievement in the primary grades. However, less attention has been given to the early predictors of later reading achievement. This study used a modified best-subsets variable-selection technique to examine…

Seven students (ages 10-13) with learning disabilities were introduced to the write-say method, which provides immediate visual and auditory feedback following the administration of a daily spelling test. Compared to studying words on one's own, the write-say method significantly enhanced subjects' spelling accuracy in a brief period of time.…

This article examines the efficacy of current definitional perspectives on learning disabilities (LD) and related assessment models to support appropriate instructional and support services for learners of English with learning-related difficulties. A revised framework for defining LD and an associated assessment model, curriculum-based dynamic…

This commentary on Edwin Ellis' model of integrative strategy instruction for students with learning disabilities points out that the model holds considerable promise. However, the model necessitates that teachers be trained to assess student cognition using multiple methods and that content area teachers think in new ways about their instruction…

The article focuses on the factors that have led to the current interest in the neuropsychology of learning disorders. The validity of the neuropsychological model is examined. Research regarding the neurobiological basis of learning disorders, cerebral asymmetries, and neuropsychological assessment batteries for learning disabilities are…

This article updates the integrative strategy instruction (ISI) model used with adolescents with learning disabilities; addresses motivation, evaluation, and implementation issues; reviews research concerning the impact of ISI on students, its social validity with teachers and students, and its relation to motivation; and clarifies differences…

A learning disability index (LDI) for the assessment of intellectual deficits on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) is described. The Factor II score coefficients derived from an unrotated principal components analysis of the WISC-R normative data, in combination with the individual's scaled scores, are used for this…

Direct daily measurement of students' performance was used as an independent variable to determine its effect on the learning of six primary level learning disabled children. (Author/DB)

Noting a high incidence of learning disabilities among students with visual impairments, this article compares definitions of the two conditions. Common assessment approaches are discussed and those inappropriate for students with low vision or blindness are identified. Suggested intervention approaches include adaptation of the environment,…

The article describes Project ASSIST, a five-week post-high school/precollege summer program to help learning disabled students adjust to the university environment at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The program emphasizes six components: affective support, diagnostic evaluation, academic reinforcement and instruction, strategy training,…

Learning problem children older than 9 (N=132) completed the Self-Administered Student Profile, a test consisting of quotations gathered from children with learning disorders. Analysis indicated that the school and the child were more often in agreement than any other two data sources (including parents and the clinic team). (CL)