The change in allowing school districts to use the more prevalent discrepancy model or the new addition of response to intervention to determine whether a disability is present has sparked discussion among educators. As districts decide which method to use, it is important to base decisions on factual and researched information. The authors hope…

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…

Reviews definitions of learning disabilities and program delivery practices, particularly mainstreaming. A short case study is appended. Part of a theme issue on the disabled. (SJL)

In the midst of unprecedented knowledge generation in the field of education, the definition of learning disabilities and the methods used for its identification have essentially remained the same for nearly 30 years. Working from a sociohistorical perspective, the authors' distinct professional positions within education (university academic,…

This paper presents a definition of deaf and hard of hearing children with learning disabilities; notes the incidence of children with both disabilities; outlines roadblocks to learning; describes screening, diagnosis, and assessment practices; and offers suggestions for educational programming. (JDD)

This article reviews topics concerning the transition of students with learning disabilities into the work setting, including: definition of learning disabilities, relevant federal legislation, importance of transition planning, "best practices" in transition planning and programming, special problems in working with students who have learning…

Knowledgeable persons within the field frequently criticize definitions of "learning disabilities" for the choice of vocabulary, phrasing and implied ideas. Although there may never be a universally accepted definition, a definition that reflects current research is used in this article to make evident some of the cognitive and…

This article explores the use of the categorical label of learning disabled for determining eligibility for preschool special education programs. Specific concerns include definitional issues, the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services, and the efficacy of early intervention.…

Explores current policies and practices concerning the definition, identification, and educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled. Recommendations stress the need for less rigid definitions and cutoff scores for program eligibility and the provision of a wide variety of settings (resource rooms, special classes) and…

Discussion of the educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled focuses on terminology, definitions, characteristics, identification, and instructional programming. A study showing the effectiveness of systematic direct instruction in small groups for this population is summarized. (DB)

This current response to a reprinted 1968 article by Ray Barsch (EC 602 662) focuses on legal aspects of learning disabilities, especially problems in implementing IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and continuing controversies concerning definition, evaluation, instructional intervention, and placement or service delivery…

This guide presents practice recommendations developed by a special Iowa study group as a result of change in 1995 from state-developed definition and eligibility criteria for learning disability to the definition and evaluation requirements of federal regulations. The recommendations focus on preferred practices in assessment, evaluation, and…

This monograph resulted from a meeting of regular and special education leaders which addressed what works for the successful inclusion of students with special needs in regular education classrooms. The monograph focuses specifically on inclusion of students with learning disabilities. After an executive summary, the paper includes a review of…

Forty representative learning disabilities specialists from 19 states met to discuss ways of improving the diagnosis, remediation, and counseling of adults with learning disabilities. First, the activities of the Jones Learning Center at the University of the Ozarks regarding diagnosing and mainstreaming college students with learning disabilities…

Position papers of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities during 1981-1994 and information about this committee's history, mission, and operational procedures are presented. The position papers and statements are as follows: "Learning Disabilities: Issues on Definition" (1981); "In-service Programs in Learning…