This article compares and contrasts the main features of dynamic testing and assessment (DT/A) and response to intervention (RTI). The comparison is carried out along the following lines: (a) historical and empirical roots of both concepts, (b) premises underlying DT/A and RTI, (c) terms used in these concepts, (d) use of these concepts, (e)…

The article proposes a simplified handwriting method for learning disabled children having difficulty with conventional cursive writing. The approach is based on the vertical downstroke rather than the diagonal slant and emphasizes the natural connection between manuscript letters. (Author/CL)

A procedure, employing a tachistoscope, is presented to enable teachers to identify the nature of arithmetic difficulties. (Author/SBH)

Seven learning disabled children (six-nine years old) participated in classes featuring Slingerland (group multisensory activities) or Sullivan (individualized traditional) reading approaches. Both groups evidenced nearly equal improvement in differing areas. Possible reasons contributing to the appeal of the Slingerland approach are noted. (CL)

Analyses indicated that the poorer performance of learning disabled students on the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability, as compared to their performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, can be explained in terms of the kinds of behaviors sampled in the Woodcock-Johnson battery. (Author)

Staff of a private school were asked to identify characteristics apparently interfering with academic progress of 321 bright elementary children who were underachievers in reading. Results suggested the need to avoid treating reading problems in isolation. Examples of successful treatment approaches are cited. (CL)

Grade equivalent scores and standard scores for 32 elementary learning disabled were compared and yielded significant correlations. Mean grade equivalent scores did, however, significantly differ for the two reading measures but not when standard scores were used. The two math indices yielded nonsignificant grade equivalent scores. (Author/CL)

The use of instructional expedients, practices (such as grading) that are distinct from learning objectives but help to implement those objectives, is discussed, particularly as it relates to language instruction. (SBH)

Students may copy words while being incapable of communicating through writing, a deficiency which may be identified using three techniques for analyzing generative writing samples: (1) interpretation of cluster errors, (2) differentiation of linguistic disability from symptomatic frustration, and (3) use of word restoration exercises. Samples of…

The application of the kinesthetic method to spelling, writing, and reading is described and a study of the method's effectiveness is compared to conventional approaches. The kinesthetic method proved more effective as the at-risk (experimental) Ss did significantly better than students not considered at risk (control Ss) in a normal classroom.…

The effect of focused or preorganized instruction on the mental operations of 64 learning disabled (LD) children (8 to 12 years old) was examined. Results indicated focused instruction had a positive effect on cognitive functioning. (Author)

Fifty-one learning disabled elementary students received reading instruction with a braille phonics approach. (CL)

This paper describes how meaning potentials were constructed in the literacy event known as Morning Message, an activity in which a 4th grade teacher and students jointly constructed a written text around the experiences of one student. Emphasis is on how meaning was orchestrated and scaffolded by the teacher's conversational moves and on how…

Rational-emotive education provides a positive, constructive approach for helping young children with learning problems who have psychogenic overlays to cope with worries and troubles effectively and to accept themselves affirmatively. (Author/SBH)