The author discusses controversial issues in the field of learning disabilities (LD). Among topics addressed are conflicting definitions of LD and the impact of the operational definition accepted by the US Government; etiological questions concerning the separation of neurological, environmental, and emotional factors; approaches used in training…

Reviews definitions of learning disabilities and program delivery practices, particularly mainstreaming. A short case study is appended. Part of a theme issue on the disabled. (SJL)

In this article, the authors offer three definitions of dyscalculia, then describe the background and initial progress of the Harrow Dyscalculia Project. Their project in Harrow is associated with ongoing research into numeracy and brain development led by Brian Butterworth, Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at UCL. Pupils from Harrow schools…

The author has attempted to identify a number of misconceptions regarding the concept of learning disabilities in childhood and youth and to counterbalance these with statements based on historical, research, or theoretical facts. (Author/SBH)

Attaching diagnostic labels to learning disabled children can add to their difficulties. (Author/SBH)

This paper reviews the implications of definitions of learning disabilities for the Regular Education Initiative. Since heterogeneity (i.e., developmental imbalances, intraindividual gaps) is characteristic of this population, regular classroom modifications alone are unlikely to meet these students' needs and thus special services will continue…

Presents the definition of learning disabilities found in the Specific Learning Disabilities Amendment of P.L. 94-142; briefly outlines the classroom teacher's role; and provides a short list of organizations, journals, and reference books for those seeking further information on learning disabilities. (SJL)

The article reviews the history of public policy, legislation, and services affecting learning disabled children in the context of professional differences concerning definitional issues and anxieties about current initiatives to serve learning disabled students in the regular classroom. The need for solid research on effective instruction with…

The author examines current issues in the field of learning disabilities and notes the absence of national leadership, difficulties with the definition issue, ineffective and inconsequential research, thoughtless approaches to mainstreaming, and ill-advised noncategorical teacher education. (CL)

The response to previous articles on the Regular Education Initiative looks at the definition of learning disabilities, identification, mainstreaming of mildly handicapped students, attitudes of general educators toward high risk students, the importance of prevention at the elementary level, and delivery systems. (DB)

Society's pervasive negative attitude about disability--which the author terms ableism--often makes the world an unwelcoming and inaccessible place for disabled people. An abelist perspective asserts that it is preferable for a child to read print rather than Braille, walk rather than use a wheelchair, spell independently rather than use a…

German practices in the field of learning disabilities are described in the context of their historical formation and definitional implications. Educational practices and emerging trends such as new functional categories, provision of support services in integrated settings, individualized instruction, and independent study are considered. (DB)

Intended for use in college-level secondary-education methods courses, the module contains text, an annotated bibliography, and overhead masters. The first section explains the federal definition of learning disabilities (LD), noting the difficulty of measuring many of the characteristics identified in the definition and the resulting increasing…

The report describes an Iowa project designed to identify reasonable accommodations for learning disabled students in regular secondary classrooms and to develop strategies for implementing classroom modifications. Project activities consisted of: a review of the literature on mainstreaming and classroom modifications; development of a descriptive…

This manual offers step-by-step guidance for implementing a secondary level co-teaching program to provide mild to moderately impaired learning disabled students with maximum inclusion time through a combination of co-teaching, resource room programs, and consultation. Individual sections focus on: (1) the definition of co-teaching and reasons for…