Despite decades of research, it has been difficult to achieve consensus on a definition of common learning disabilities such as dyslexia. This lack of consensus represents a fundamental problem for the field. Our approach to addressing this issue is to use model-based meta-analyses and Bayesian models with informative priors to combine the results…

This study outlines the literature relevant to the Cross-cultural issues and the politics of SEN and the different perspectives arising from the literature on this widely debated issue are addressed. In addition, the origin of the term "special educational needs" (SEN), its definitions and the types of special education needs are…

The change in allowing school districts to use the more prevalent discrepancy model or the new addition of response to intervention to determine whether a disability is present has sparked discussion among educators. As districts decide which method to use, it is important to base decisions on factual and researched information. The authors hope…

While special education law has been amended several times since the statutory definition of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) was created in 1968, there continues to be ambiguity within the field regarding the definition as well as the diagnostic criteria. This inevitably leads to a lack of consistency in diagnosis within states and among…

A Canadian context for the diagnosis of students with specific learning disabilities (LD) was investigated in the present literature review. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to determine the current and best practices in this field. Overall, no agreed upon definition of LD was identified, although core similarities in…

The regression-based discrepancy definition of learning disabilities has been suggested by Rutter and Yule as an improvement of the well-known and much criticized achievement-intelligence discrepancy definition, whereby the examinee's predicted reading attainment is substituted for the intelligence score in the discrepancy expression. Even though…

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

The authors assert that progress in conceptualizing learning disabilities and related intervention procedures is dependent on systematic, consistent, and educationally grounded theory, and that each practitioner should adopt a system and use it consistently. A cognitive-field model is illustrated and its use as a foundation for educating LD…

An examination of the field of learning disabilities (LD) reviews early efforts to identify the syndrome, effects of the federal definition, and controversies over the conceptualization of LD. The author emphasizes the need continuing the search for a viable paradigm to meet definitional, assessment, and instructional needs of the profession. (CL)

Briefly reviews conceptual and operational limitations of classic approaches to classifying learning disabled children. Examines new classification research with learning disabled populations which is investigating alternative classification schemes through systematic and empirical hypothesis-testing paradigms, and sparking renewed interest in…

The article deals with the problem of scientific definitions, focusing on its application to learning disabilities. (DLS)

The Canadian article explores some of the implications of assigning handicapped children to two commonly used categories: learning disabilities and hearing impairments. (Author/DLS)

This paper presents a theoretical model illustrating L. Siegel's revisionist conceptualization of learning disabilities and then presents an alternative underachievement model. The paper argues that the alternative model applies standard regression procedures which would lead to a more appropriate definition of learning disabilities and applies…

This article offers characteristics and definitions of gifted, learning disabled, and gifted learning disabled. Principles of identification and programing are summarized. The five dimensions of the Autonomous Learner Model (including orientation, individual development, enrichment, seminar, and in-depth study) are applied to program development…

Definitional and intervention issues regarding learning disabilities and emotional disturbance are examined. Three major topics are addressed: academic deficits of disturbed students, behavior problems in learning disabled students, and differentiation of LD from ED. The need for a service delivery model with foci in reciprocal person/environment…