Multifactorial models of dyslexia have expanded how we consider heterogeneity within the population of children with dyslexia. These models are predicated on the idea that cognitive/linguistic risk factors are not deterministic but instead probabilistic, with the likelihood of difficulties involving an interaction between risk and protective…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether integrating encoding instruction with reading instruction provides stronger gains for students who struggle with reading than instruction that includes little or no encoding. An instructional design model was investigated to best fit the data of 175 first-grade readers at risk for reading…

The assessment procedures within Response to Intervention (RTI) models have begun to supplant the use of traditional, discrepancy-based frameworks for identifying students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). Many RTI proponents applaud this shift because of perceived shortcomings in utilizing discrepancy as an indicator of SLD. However,…

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of teacher biases with regard to identification of students with learning disabilities (LD). Factors related to teachers' gender, age, and experience, along with children's gender, were investigated. Results suggested that teacher gender is associated with biases with regard to…

The policies underlying the specific learning disability (SLD) regulations in the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are analyzed. The analysis focuses on the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) provision ("if the child responds to scientific, research-based intervention") as a diagnostic model,…

The paper presents an intervention framework for the management of communication disorders in learning disabled children. The model is comprised of three components: communicative intentions, presupposition, and the social organization of discourse. Resulting instructional guidelines and principles are offered. (Author/DB)

The paper discusses the rationale for conducting an ecological assessment of learning disabled students, a model for conceptualizing ecological asessment data, factors affecting student performance, sources of ecological assessment data, and implications of such data for the teacher of learning disabled students. (Author/CL)

In using the framework, the two main administrative problems encountered are reporting the evaluation to the decision makers and the feasibility of conducting an IEP evaluation. (Author/PHR)

The use of demonstration plus permanent model (DPM) as a teaching strategy was evaluated with 19 learning disabled students (ages 9-14) in the area of computational skills. Results indicated that DPM effectively helped students acquire computational skills across instructional sequences for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. (Author/DB)

Teacher perception, test batteries, and single instruments are presented as the major types of procedures for predicting which preschool children are at risk for experiencing school problems. (SBH)

A metacognition model that can help understand general problem-solving deficits in learning disabled students is presented. Two components of metacognition are highlighted: executive processes and attributional beliefs. An educational package combining these components with specific strategy training is illustrated as an approach to improving…

This paper examines the complexities of written language in terms of both its mechanical and creative skills. It discusses four approaches to providing assistance to writers with learning disabilities, including rule and skill instruction, substantive facilitation, procedural facilitation, and self-instructional strategy training; and recommends a…

Available from: Council for Exceptional Children, 1920 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 22091. The article describes an "ecological" or "total" model for the assessment of learning disabled children and youth which considers the interaction of all relevant factors, including deficits or strengths within the student, teacher variables, the…

The paper presents a consolidated criteria model which can be used to identify the discrepancy and severity level of learning disabled students. (Author/SBH)

An intervention framework for the management of communication disorders in learning disabled children is presented. The model is comprised of three components: communicative intentions (what a speaker wants to convey), presupposition (a speaker's message in relation to specific information needs of a listener), and the social organization of…