Questions the current emphasis on learning disabilities, which represents an ideology in which the language and, often, the techniques of medicine are used extensively to serve the purposes of social control. (Author/IRT)

Intended for teachers, the article provides an introduction to the four major classes of psychotropic medication (stimulants, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants) commonly prescribed for children with learning or behavioral disorders. Specific effects on the classroom are addressed. (DB)

While the normative frame of reference is adequate for diagnosis, a behavioral approach may be more suited to the prescriptive phase of assessment. The behavioral frame of reference is described and its relevance to prescriptive assessment is discussed. (Author)

A school-based diet program for learning disabled children stresses modifying eating behavior by learning alternative ways of interacting with the environment. Techniques stress the importance of self regulation, strategies for self monitoring, the establishment of realistic weight goals, use of stimulus control procedures, increased physical…

Reviewed are some of the most effective behavior modification techniques for use with learning disabled (LD) children. Compared are the medical, psychometric, and behavioral models of LD; and discussed are the criteria used for classifying LD. Principles of applying motivational techniques such as selecting an effective reinforcer are considered.…

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

This article describes a model to assist teachers in solving academic or behavioral problems of students with learning disabilities. The model uses the word PINPOINT as a mnemonic technique to address Problem identification, Importance rating, Noting the behaviors to develop, Possible solutions, Optimal options for the student, Ideal interventions…

A behavior management support group involving a psychologist and other school staff uses video recordings of students to help deal with the behavior problems of pupils with severe learning disabilities. (CL)

A time series procedure, the Shewart Technique, was used in an educational setting with eight academically deficient students to increase the percent of assignments completed. Ss were given mediation training and behavior contracts. The Shewart Technique was found to be useful in providing a formative analysis for intervention. (Tables and graphs…

Reviewed was research on the application of operant conditioning techniques to the modification of the classroom behavior of learning disabled students. The methodology and results of the studies were examined and each study summarized. It was concluded that there was little common interpretation of the term "learning disabilities" and that all of…

The social ineptitude and the emotional and practical upsets of many learning disabled children require practitioners to find ways to help them improve their social skills. Training in Interpersonal Cognitive Problem-Solving skills, modified to address their unique difficulties, may improve behavior of learning disabled children. (Author/VW)

The information digest presents information on stress management in the schools for learning disabled students. The following questions are addressed: Why does the education "spotlight" need to be trained on stress management in the schools? What is stress? What are possible causes of achievement stress for the learning disabled? (school…

Skill-based social deficits exist in students with learning disabilities when a student has not learned a given skill; performance-based deficits exist when the student possesses a skill but doesn't perform in appropriate circumstances. Interventions for both types of deficit and a strategy to build self-control skills are offered. (DB)

This article addresses aspects of social skill instruction for students with learning disabilities, including assessing the need for instruction, the cultural context, children's and adults' opinions of the value of specific skills, social validation of skills, behavior replacement, and the developmental level of the child. (DB)

The author replies to the article titled "Controversial Medical Treatments of Learning Disabilities" (R. Sieben), and reviews the use of sensory integrative therapy for children with learning disabilities. (IM)