Programmatic, multidisciplinary research provided converging brain, genetic, and developmental support for evidence-based diagnoses of three specific learning disabilities based on hallmark phenotypes (behavioral expression of underlying genotypes) with treatment relevance: dysgraphia (impaired legible automatic letter writing, orthographic…

When two psychological reports of handicapped children were presented to 86 professionals alone and in their multidisciplinary team, the teams exhibited significantly less variability in placement decisions than the same specialists acting independently. No one profession appeared to dominate the group decision making. (Author/CL)

The article analyzes current practice of the special education school consultation process using such criteria as theory, knowledge base, program goals, and stages/steps of consultation. Recommendations include use of the "Seven Levels of Intensity of Intervention" framework to make instructional and placement decisions. (Author/DB)

The proposed merger of special and regular education is analyzed relative to conditions of mild handicap and the capability of the regular education system to serve all pupils effectively. Conditions necessary for restructuring include support for research and evaluation, the study of programs as well as individuals, and multiple program models.…

The author reviews implications of the previous four papers on the neuropsychological approach to learning disabilities (ED 161 035-038), notes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, discusses potential valuable test batteries, and emphasizes the need for appropriate training in neuropsychology psychologists and teachers. (CL)

Two hundred fifty children (6 to 14 years old) referred to a clinic for reading problems were analyzed in terms of medical, visual, speech and hearing, and social and emotional factors. (CL)

Basic assumptions of the Regular Education Initiative (which encourages closer coordination of regular and special education) were examined. The authors assert that students are not overidentified for special education, that student failure is not due only to teacher shortcomings, and that variability in student performance will increase not…

The author--a parent, advocate, and educator--relates personal experiences and reviews professional literature which point to the problems with inadequate programs of diagnosis and treatment for the learning disabled, with particular emphasis on the mandates of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). A coordinated,…

This paper reviews the implications of definitions of learning disabilities for the Regular Education Initiative. Since heterogeneity (i.e., developmental imbalances, intraindividual gaps) is characteristic of this population, regular classroom modifications alone are unlikely to meet these students' needs and thus special services will continue…

Using a Delphi technique, a 100-member interdisciplinary, expert panel from 47 states identified 47 competencies in eight categories as essential to collaborative consultation between special and regular educators. Highest ratings were given to interactive communication, collaborative problem solving, and personal characteristics. (Author/DB)

The article proposes a cooperative assessment strategy with language impaired children to assist the interdisciplinary psychoeducational evaluation and planning team to function as a unit by (1) agreeing on a theoretical framework, (2) cooperating in planning the assessment, (3) raising questions for the assessment, and (4) making cooperative…

Major objectives of the teacher workshop are to increase the empathy and knowledge of the regular teacher concerning the characteristics and problems of the LD student, and to work out communication problems and increase the dialogue between the resource learning center teachers and the regular classroom teachers. (SBH)

This article describes the development of the learning disability (LD) movement from 1800 to the present. It examines the ideas that contributed to the theoretical basis preceding the formation of the LD movement, legislation and events that established LD as a specific area of study and contributed to its growth, and a glimpse into the future.…

This current response to a 1968 article by Ray Barsch (EC 602 662) notes lack of progress in defining and classifying learning disabilities and in determining appropriate interventions to help students with learning disabilities. The paper distinguishes among three types of learning problems and notes the need for individualized transdisciplinary…

This commentary on a reprinted 1968 article by Ray Barsch (EC 602 662) considers each of Barsch's perspectives on learning disabilities (history, disciplines, education, teacher preparation, province, and time) and concludes that a perspective comparing now to then finds that students with learning disabilities are now significantly better served.…