This chapter presents an over-review of the related literature and describes current findings in learning disabilities. Specifically, a definition of learning disabilities (LD) is provided, followed by a description of the prognosis for students identified with LD, predictors of success, factors in coping, and the relationship of LD to behavior.…

The regression-based discrepancy definition of learning disabilities has been suggested by Rutter and Yule as an improvement of the well-known and much criticized achievement-intelligence discrepancy definition, whereby the examinee's predicted reading attainment is substituted for the intelligence score in the discrepancy expression. Even though…

The concept of moderate learning difficulties (MLD) is not clearly understood in its definition and in its general use. Nevertheless, as a distinct area of special educational needs (SEN) this category has constituted about a quarter of all of those pupils identified as having SEN in England. This paper reports the analysis of findings from an…

This study of 182 secondary special education students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders investigated their classification by their school districts, in particular how well they were distinguished and represented by their federal categories. The districts used four classification groups (emotional disturbance, other health impairment…

This review provides an introduction to response to intervention (RTI), including how it is defined, reasons for its growing popularity, an introduction to an emerging body of research, a brief discussion of what it all means, and suggestions about directions for future research. [This was originally published as part of a larger study, "The…

Experts have yet to reach consensus about what a learning disability is, how to determine if a child has one, and what to do about it. Leading researcher and clinician Deborah Waber offers an alternative to the prevailing view of learning disability as a problem contained within the child. Instead, she shows how learning difficulties are best…

Although the Portuguese educational system advocates the accommodation of all students in regular schools, it has not adopted a coherent discourse that would contribute to meeting effectively the needs of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). As such, the successive reorganizations of special education have resulted in uninformed…

The study is an evaluation of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at a southeastern technical college. Thousands of adults who enroll in ESL programs are individuals who appear to be intelligent. They have worked diligently for a year or more to learn to speak, read, write, listen and improve English comprehension skills. However, some…

This study assessed rates of learning disabilities (LD) by several psychometric definitions in children with epilepsy and identified risk factors. Participants (N = 173, ages 8-15 years) completed IQ screening, academic achievement testing, and structured interviews. Children with significant head injury, chronic physical conditions, or mental…

Psychometric test performances of two groups of school children were analyzed: 80 fourth graders, 40 of whom had been identified by their school district as learning disabled (LD); and 51 children referred for "possible LD placement" and diagnosed LD or not LD by school district personnel applying a severe discrepancy criteria. Results…

Some of the issues that dominated, or at least held sway, in the neuropsychology of learning disabilities (LD) in the 1970s included: the definition of LD, whether there are reliable and valid subtypes of LD, whether and to what extent LD are related to cerebral dysfunction, and whether LD are related to types and/or degrees of psychosocial…

Outlines briefly the historical development of the field of learning disabilities, describes its present status with a discussion of some of the major issues and controversies, and indicates some emerging trends and future directions. (Author/RK)

Definitional and intervention issues regarding learning disabilities and emotional disturbance are examined. Three major topics are addressed: academic deficits of disturbed students, behavior problems in learning disabled students, and differentiation of LD from ED. The need for a service delivery model with foci in reciprocal person/environment…

Drawing on data from a large epidemiological study concerning the definition and identification of learning disabled (LD) adolescents, the article discusses whether LD adolescents, as they are being identified in the public schools, are different from other low achieving (LA) peers, and, if so, how they are different. (DLS)

In response to Kavale and Forness (EC 630 380), this article raises four issues concerning the balance between science and politics in learning disabilities (LD): (1) LD as an objective biological entity; (2) uses of a scientific definition of LD; (3) political advocacy concerning unacceptable achievement and LD; and (4) risks in assuming…