This report provides an overview of the scientific missions, research and research training funding trends, strategic planning initiatives, and research highlights for each Child Development and Behavior Branch (CDBB) research program for the years 1995-1999. CDBB develops scientific initiatives and supports research and research training relevant…

This action research study examined what writing strategy, process writing approach, free, or informal writing, was the most effective with students with learning disabilities. Five students (ages 13-15) in a self-contained eighth grade language arts class were observed while they learned the three different writing strategies. The process writing…

How many adults with literacy problems actually have learning disabilities (LD)? Do most adults with severe literacy problems actually have a learning disability? What data exist to support the claims? How is LD being defined? Is the label overused? Is social/economic disadvantage misinterpreted as LD? What technologies and software exist to…

The role of the speech-language pathologist in working with individuals with learning disabilities (LD), particularly in the preschool- and school-age years is discussed. Journal Availability: See EC 152 480. (SEW)

The future of school psychology is predicted to depend on two major issues: (1) how well professional societies resolve their conflicting problems, and (2) how well school psychologists learn to provide useful solutions to the present and future problems of schools, teachers, and pupils. (CTM)

The use of regression equations to predict the expected achievement levels of five- and six-year-old children on the Wide Range Achievement Test are discussed. Problems are found in identifying underachievement for children in the lower primary grades. Implications for the early identification of specific learning disabilities are described.…

Focuses on problems faced by children with moderate learning difficulties and examines some of the various communication techniques that enable them to be reached and effectively helped. Cites several cases featuring children who have been abused or neglected. Emphasizes the importance of rebuilding these children's self-esteem. (EV)

A teacher of students with learning disabilities used journals to encourage students to write. She allowed them to choose their topics, and she created ongoing conversations with them through the journals. As students' interest in writing increased, their journals helped them resolve conflicts, express frustrations, and hone language arts skills.…

Respondents (n=321) to a survey of learning disabilities teachers in the Chicago (Illinois) Public School system reported that, while they found several assessment procedures to be useful, they relied primarily on standardized test results for informing educational decisions. Most teachers indicated they had high levels of competency with all…

Comparison of middle-school-age students with learning disabilities, grouped according to their self-reported ratings of scholastic competence, found significant differences between the low subgroup and the medium/high subgroups on internal locus of control for positive events, school attitudes, and global self-worth. Subgroups did not differ in…

This article discusses a 2-year study involving 27 special educators of elementary and middle schools and 47 students with learning disabilities that explored the effects of using curriculum-based measurement and transenvironmental programming, each alone and in combination, for readying students to move from resource rooms to regular classrooms…

A case study examined the effect that cognitive rescaling of digital text had on the research and writing processes of a student with a learning disability and emotional disturbance in a self-contained alternative school environment. Results indicate the cognitive rescaling of digital text had a positive effect on the student. (Contains…

The use of response cards during classroom review sessions was examined in an earth science class of 23 secondary students, 8 of whom had learning disabilities, mental retardation, or behavior disorders. Results indicated achievement of higher test scores by all students, including those with disabilities, when students had used response cards in…

Argues that computers and related technology can be an important asset in the classrooms of young children with disabilities. Suggests that this technology can promote mobility, communication, and learning; increase independence; augment abilities; compensate for learning challenges; overcome learned helplessness; and foster competence and…

An elementary special education teacher describes her research on program decision making for students with learning disabilities. The research highlights the need to consider all factors that may impact decisions and identifies three characteristics of decisions that, when present, contribute to teachers' confidence that the decision made is…