In rebuttal to a critique of a previous paper, the authors stress the complexities of defining the term "learning disabilities" and the inadequacies of Kosc's approach to a prior definition based upon established definitions of "learning" and "disability" (Author/DB)

The position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities provides five criticisms of the definition of learning disabilities developed in 1967 by the National Advisory Committee on Handicapped Children and proposes an alternative definition. (DB)

Based on approximately 1,600 referrals of disabled and regular students, 94 empirically derived formulas for assessment of learning disability were used. The most discriminating formula, which included Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wide Range Achievement Test and grade level variables, resulted in moderate coefficients. (Author/CL)

In the absence of a clear definition of learning disabilities, it has become an educational simile with children described as "like a learning disabled child." The learning disabled label has become reflective of a problem related more to social structure than to children. Greater attention should be given to individual needs and less emphasis…

The first of a two-part radio transcript on learning disabilities contains discussion on definitional problems, incidence figures, and problems with labeling. Opinions of well known educators (including J. Gallagher, S. Kirk, and M. Frostig), are cited along with statements of parents and teachers. (CL)

Widespread dissatisfaction with the present federal definition of learning disabilities suggests that the term should function as a conceptual rather than a categorical term. (DB)

Learning disabilities is presented as a construct supported by psychoeducational, socioemotional, and physiological data, as illustrated by the M. Meeker paradigm. (Author)

As a diagnostician, my primary responsibility is to conduct psychoeducational evaluations to determine the existence of a learning disability. Such a determination results in either the provisions for or the denial of special education services. In a quest to further understand my position within the schools, I conducted a deep study into this…

Researchers, policy makers, and teacher trainers, who were identified by peers as being on the "cutting edge" of research and programming in learning disabilities, responded to surveys in 1975 (N=91) and 1981 (N=149). In both surveys the "experts" generally endorsed learning disabilities as a viable classification and asserted…

Psychometric test performances of two groups of school children were analyzed: 80 fourth graders, 40 of whom had been identified by their school district as learning disabled (LD); and 51 children referred for "possible LD placement" and diagnosed LD or not LD by school district personnel applying a severe discrepancy criteria. Results…

The paper reviews various types of definitions of learning disabilities and presents the specific operational definition that was used in a study involving 1,105 adolescents on the relationship between learning disability and juvenile delinquency. The definition of learning disability is analyzed in terms of its principal components, types of…

The author points out two problems with the field of learning disabilities: the term caught on before a satisfactory definition had been determined and the field totally disregards the Law of Parsimony, which requires that one should never give a complicated answer when a simple one will do. (SBH)

The new definition of learning disabilities proposed by the National Joint Committee for Learning Disabilities is discussed in terms of its need, procedures followed in its development, the Committee's intention regarding critical elements, and the definition's current status (acceptance by four of the six member organizations). (DB)

The author criticizes an article defending the concept of learning disabilities and points out methodological concerns. He asserts that the term has not only not reduced ambiguities and inconsistencies in the definitions but has increased competition for diminishing federal and state support. (CL)