Focusing on transcending traditional definitions of literacy, this book presents 16 essays that discuss major conceptual and practical issues that confront professionals in the field of literacy. Essays in the book make explicit the questions that underlie a redefinition of literacy and offer specific suggestions for implementation. Essays in the…

This report is the first in a series of publications emanating from a four year research effort designed to further knowledge of admissions testing and handicapped people. The report is divided into three major sections describing (1) the development of the research program, (2) a context for conducting that research, and (3) major research issues…

The guide was intended for use by teachers of learning disabled students involved in assessment procedures. A philosophical framework, in which assessment is viewed in the ongoing team process, is followed by review of Wisconsin's rules on the identification of learning disabilities. A report format is presented as an outline for consolidating…

An overview of adult learning disabilities is presented with an emphasis on the most recent developments in the field. Areas discussed are definition, characteristics, current literature, and program design. Various definitions of a learning disabled adult are identified and the problems associated with these definitions are considered. The…

These workshop materials are designed to assist technologists in coping with handicapped students in their programs. They contain information on the characteristics of handicapped persons, and some of the psychological and legal considerations that form the background from which the students come; and they focus on developing insight that will…

Presented for classroom teachers and parents is an overview of information on learning disabilities. Covered are the following topics (with subtopics in parenthesis): defining the problem (causes, incidence, characteristics); assessment (physical assessment, intellectual potential, academic achievement, channels of learning); and informal…

In response to Kenneth Kavale's theoretical objections to the model of severe discrepancy in determining the existence of learning disabilities, this article describes advantages of discrepancy considerations and presents a model that emphasizes the role of the learning disabilities teacher in diagnosing and remediating specific learning…

This critique of H. Lee Swanson's "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities" comments on Swanson's concept of learning disabilities, cognitive science, and information processing theory. A different research and theory-building agenda is proposed, focusing on society's definition of learning disabilities and instructional issues and…

This paper proposes an approach to diagnosing learning disabilities that measures the intrinsic processing or capacity weaknesses that are presumed to underlie academic performance problems. This approach is contrasted with the "diagnosis by exclusion" method currently used. The paper discusses: (1) a definition of intrinsic processes with…

This paper examines statistics that appear to show a 20 percent decline in the number of students identified as mildly mentally retarded. Evidence is provided which suggests that the primary reason for these declining figures is that these children are being classified as learning disabled. Relatively loose criteria for the learning disabilities…

This article reviews problems in identification of learning disabilities and considers proposed alternatives to present procedures. It argues that the major problems of over identification, variability, and specificity, can be eliminated by increasing specificity and consistency of state criteria and strict adherence to identification criteria on…

Aspects of the current state of education for learning disabilities (LD) discussed include the theoretical and philosophical orientation, definitions of specific learning disabilities, especially for preschool children, delivery of services, and the role of the LD specialist. (MSE)

This article describes criteria developed by the three Georgia Learning Disorder Centers to determine eligibility for services of college students with learning disabilities. Five definitions for learning disability in adolescents and adults are compared. The specific criteria used by the centers are detailed, as are criteria for accepting outside…

This article is an analysis and synthesis of 26 published (1985-2000) research reports concerning postsecondary education services for students with learning disabilities. Eleven program factors are examined: definition of learning disability, characteristics of adult learners, institution type, special admission procedures, assessment services,…

Definitions of dyslexia provided by general and special educators, support personnel, parents, and administrators were compared and contrasted to currently accepted definitions found in the literature. In addition, the effects of symposium attendance on changing participants' perceptions of the definition of dyslexia were assessed. Surveys were…