Four questions concerning the admission and enrollment of learning disabled (LD) students relate to: the definition of a learning disability; admissions officers' and/or committees' identification of LD applicants; special considerations, if any, to be used by admissions for LD applications; and special services needed by admitted and…

The authors describe a research effort funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention which is addressing the hypothesized link between learning disabilties and juvenile delinquency. (SBH)

A survey of all state education agencies (SEAs) was conducted to compare regulations for the determination of a learning disability. Results revealed many similarities among the states with some variations in the SEA eligibility criteria. Identification requirements were different under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the…

Data from the Connecticut Longitudinal Study were used to compare two definitions of reading disability: a discrepancy-based model and a low reading achievement model. Children (n=415) satisfying each definition in second grade were compared retrospectively in kindergarten and prospectively in fifth guide. Findings suggest more similarities than…

This article explores the use of the categorical label of learning disabled for determining eligibility for preschool special education programs. Specific concerns include definitional issues, the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services, and the efficacy of early intervention.…

Analysis of 85 journal articles and 36 doctoral theses disseminated in Canada revealed that the functionalist definition of learning disability and the assumption of specific etiology remain fixed in Canadian special education research. This finding suggests the need to introduce an ecological perspective in future studies of learning disability.…

Conducted survey of state universities (N=13) offering comprehensive services for learning-disabled college students to determine learning disability program characteristics. Found most institutions offered basic support services but of varying quality. Found respondent inconsistencies in identification, assessment, and diagnosis of learning…

A study investigated the effects of a more restrictive standard discrepancy model (SDM) on the learning-disability placement patterns of 4,100 students in Mississippi. Limiting eligibility to students who had achievement scores 1 1/2 standard deviations below their Full Scale IQ scores reduced eligible students from 124 to 36. (CR)

Several recent court decisions provide ammunition for fighting over-identification of students who have impairments (like Attention Deficit Disorder) but who fail to meet the remaining eligibility requirements under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Distinguishing between Section 504 and IDEA requirements is crucial. (MLH)

A review of learning disabilities in gifted children provides definitions of "learning disabilities" and "giftedness", a classification of gifted students with learning disabilities, the importance of a multidimensional approach to identifying students with gifts/learning disabilities, characteristics, programming guidelines, teaching strategies,…

The heterogeneous nature of learning disabilities has led to confusion regarding their definition and their intervention. Although the law protects adults with learning disabilities both in the workplace and classroom, it provides only a broad definition that has been subject to many interpretations. There is a paucity of longitudinal research on…

This digest is derived from Susan Baum's "Being Gifted and Learning Disabled...From Definition to Practical Intervention." The learning disabled gifted are grouped into three categories: identified gifted students who have subtle learning disabilities, unidentified students whose gifts and disabilities may be masked by average…

The perceptual and cognitive processes involved in learning to play the piano are examined as sources of confusion and problems which might be encountered by the young learning disabled piano student. The paper is reported to be based on personal observations during private piano instruction, published and unpublished literature, and a summer…

Briefly explained are the concept, goals, function, and programing of the resource room approach to providing supplementary instructional support for mildly handicapped children. Noted in an operational mechanics section are facilities needed and procedures for initial referral, student identification and evaluation, scheduling, and reporting…