All but seven U.S. states have laws that govern some aspects of dyslexia screening, intervention, or teacher training in public schools. However, in the three states that mandate child-level reporting, data indicate lower than expected rates of dyslexia identification when compared with commonly accepted dyslexia prevalence rates. To better…

A review and analysis of current research on subtypes of learning-disabled children argues against a "single syndrome" theory of learning disability and demonstrates the feasibility of creating more homogeneous diagnostic groups within this broad and ill-defined category of exceptional children. (Author/CL)

The author points out two problems with the field of learning disabilities: the term caught on before a satisfactory definition had been determined and the field totally disregards the Law of Parsimony, which requires that one should never give a complicated answer when a simple one will do. (SBH)

The article provides an overview of the McDermott Multidimensional Assessment of Children (M-MAC), a microcomputer system for integration and analysis of information from over 30 psychological and educational sources. M-MAC's classification functiions are introduced and reviewed. Special features for diagnostic practice, professional training, and…

The cognitive patterns of three learning disability subtypes were studied: (1) students with higher math than reading skills, (2) students with higher reading than math skills, and (3) students with equally low math and reading skills. Results indicated that although the three groups were characterized by a number of discrete or unique patterns,…

The article addresses the question of who learning disabled children are and suggests approaches for delineating subgroups of slow learning children. (SBH)

The author suggests that, if the purpose of classification is to provide educational services, the category of learning disabilities be used to describe pupils with mild handicaps. She cites the folly of research on sytem-selected students because system-selection decisions are biased by political, practical, and financial influences. (CL)

The paper on learning disability (LD) definition and subtypes considers the nature of the definition and differentiation problems, the importance of placing and keeping LD in perspective vis a vis other learning problems, and future development of a LD classification schema using dimensions of cause, severity, pervasiveness, and chronicity.…

The paper identifies areas of agreement among leaders in learning disabilities (LD) including heterogeneity of the LD population; explores the classification problem as it relates to etiology and/or treatment, and proposes a five-step plan to influence public policy concerned with differentiation and treatment of different types of learning…

Critically evaluates recent research aimed at empirical identification of homogeneous subtypes of learning disability. It is suggested that researchers strive for more commonality in the methods and measures used for subtype analysis leading to a single classification scheme to reduce heterogeneity and improve educational efforts. (Author/DB)

The paper reviews the recent research bearing on the single cause/multiple cause controversy in regard to reading disabilities. The inadequacy of the common practice of comparing a group of disabled readers with a control group is noted. (Author/SW)

In agreement with Coles (EC 220 146), the article comments on the poor quality of research in the learning disability field, and Coles'"interactivity" theory as an alternative to the neurological-deficit theory which is applied to the problem of classification, intervention, and a societal approach. (DB)

This article discusses the inclusion of high functioning individuals in the learning disability category. It argues that extending services to individuals without significant academic impairments may deplete resources for others in greater need, distort the normal processes by which individuals select careers, and diminish the credibility of the…

In response to Larry Silver (EC 231 774) concerning whether attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a learning disability via a related disorder, this article proposes an interactional perspective that stresses the educational needs of the child within his/her total environmental context. It also summarizes the current empirical and clinical…

For successful classification of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, major issues include (1) the need for explicit studies of identification criteria; (2) the need for systematic sampling strategies; (3) development of hypothetical classifications; and (4) systematic assessment of reliability and validity of hypothetical…