Analysis of arithmetic problem-solving difficulties among secondary school learning disabled students (N=63) indicated students had the most difficulty with problems of the indirect type and problems that contained extraneous information. Teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

The author suggests that educators examine the field of learning disabilities from two dimensions--breadth (in the interdisciplinary cooperation and heterogeneity of children) and length (in which the student's lifetime development is stressed rather than only short-term goals). (CL)

The article presents informal assessment techniques for assessing classroom demands, written language, studying and test-taking skills, notetaking, and gaining information from text. The content of the assessment is conceptualized in terms of the University of Kansas learning strategies curriculum. A test down approach to assessment is suggested.…

The position paper of the Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children proposes seven components (including the differentiation of learning disabilities from learning problems) of the final policy of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services concerning the Regular Education/Special Education…

The author draws on his experience with learning disabilities (LD) to offer 10 challenges to the profession, including to adopt a historically and professionally honest and accurate definition of LD, to recognize two separate groups within LD, and to advocate against the principle of least restrictive environment. (CL)

Application of a quantitative and qualitative error classification system to the spelling errors of 21 learning-disabled (LD) and 21 non-learning-disabled (NLD) matched college students found LD subjects exhibited a significantly greater total spelling error rate and percentage. Differences were also found on qualitative spelling variables for…

Evaluation of school records of 379 students, ages 6-12 years, referred for possible learning disability (LD) placement found that more than 80 percent of the referred students were placed in LD classes and that two-thirds of those referred scored below the severe discrepancy cutoff on the aptitude-achievement formula. (Author/DB)

The article examines the foreign language requirement in college and its impact on universities and students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). Noted are SLD foreign language learning subtypes, factors affecting SLD students' language learning ability, college expectations and requirements, and ways universities are dealing with these…

Three studies evaluated the effectiveness of using verbatim text recordings to increase learning disabled high school students' reading comprehension and learning ability. Use of the recordings did produce performance gains, especially when used in conjunction with completion of a related worksheet. (DB)

When faculty at a small public university were asked if they would make 23 accommodations (instructional, assignment, and examination modifications) for learning disabled students, most were willing to make such adjustments. Only those adjustments which faculty felt differed significantly in degree from standards held for all students were…

The paper cites research which suggests that computers be programmed to deliver effective practice in basic decoding skills. Three evaluation studies are presented that show how currently available programs can be used to increase decoding fluency in children with reading problems. (CL)

Research and curriculum development projects have investigated ways to make teaching and learning basic facts easier. Reseach results and implications from four major projects are presented. Ten specific guidelines are then given and illustrated by examples from addition. Modifying instructional sequence and matching learning tasks with learning…

The overview to the special issue on adults with learning disabilities introduces the five articles and notes the trend during the 1980s of increasing understanding of learning-disabled adults. Articles address postsecondary education, eligibility for services, adult outcomes, spelling, and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational battery. (DB)

A task force report on promising practices in identification touches upon the problem of identification, eligibility, pre-referral activities, teacher support teams, high-risk students, team decision making, and transitioning and exiting procedures. The need to clarify regular and special education roles in this matter is emphasized. (CL)

The article describes the eligibility model developed by the community college system of California for students with learning disabilities. Major activities of the research and development process leading to the eligibility model are detailed including components, procedures, and criteria. The process combines clinical and databased evidence with…