We describe findings from a series of longitudinal studies utilizing a response to intervention framework implemented over 3 years with students in Grades 6 through 8 with reading disabilities and poor reading comprehension. Students were identified based on reading comprehension scores in Grade 5 (n = 1,083) and then randomized to treatment or…

Little is known about the relative effects of post-secondary learning services for students with learning disabilities. We compared outcomes for students with learning disabilities who selected to: (1) take an academic learning success course (course-intervention), (2) have regular individual interventions (high-intervention) or (3) use services…

Research indicates that students with learning disabilities may experience significant difficulty with taking notes during teacher lectures. Approaches for helping students include task accommodations (such as taping the lectures or purchasing notes) and notetaking skill/strategy instruction (such as paraphrasing, outlining, using abbreviations,…

A study evaluated the usefulness of instruction in specific learning strategies to improve the learning processes of students with learning disabilities and attention deficits. The intervention sought to provide students with tools for maximizing atypical strengths, remediating weaknesses, and activating processing. Some strategies are described.…

Strategies to optimize spelling instruction for students with learning disabilities are presented. Teacher-directed techniques involve a test-teach-test sequence, reduced word lists, reinforcement, imitation plus modeling, analogy strategy, and constant time delay. Eight study techniques to help students improve their spelling skills are also…

A five-step method for teaching notetaking skills in students with mild learning handicaps includes evaluating current performance, teaching preskills, teaching a notetaking system, providing for distributed practice, and providing for skill generalization. Additional practical suggestions for teachers are provided. (MSE)

Secondary students with learning disabilities may need training in the use of study skills across situations in order to assure the learning of specific skills and to assure their generalization. Secondary teachers can assist these students in acquiring, processing, and expressing information. (MSE)

The literature on notetaking is reviewed, including theoretical perspectives and listener- and lecturer-controlled variables influencing both the encoding function and storage functions of notetaking. Findings are applied to training secondary and postsecondary students with learning disabilities in notetaking skills. (DB)

Study strategies are those specific reading skills that increase understanding, memory storage, and retrieval. Memory techniques are crucial to effective studying, and to subsequent performance in class and on written examinations. A major function of memory is to process information. Stimuli are picked up by sensory receptors and transferred to…

A survey of 31 college students with learning disabilities found few used comprehensive and effective notetaking techniques, with only a small number requesting notetaking accommodations. Major difficulties included speed of writing, paying attention, making sense of notes afterward, and deciding what information to record. Programing and research…

A school-wide program was developed to teach study skills (involving cognitive strategies and school survival skills) to mainstreamed secondary-level students with learning disabilities. The program involved training teachers, synchronizing teaching schedules, and observing teachers. Students learned study strategies that transferred to content…

The University of Oregon's Center for Electronic Studying investigates ways to use computers to assist college students with physical and learning disabilities for whom studying is especially difficult. Such efforts are increasingly needed because of the trend toward mainstreaming students with varied disabilities. Meeting the cost of the…

Describes the use of computer-supported studying as an approach to helping students with disabilities develop and apply skills needed for successful transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Vignettes of three students with learning disabilities illustrate the success of computer-supported studying. (Author/CR)

This textbook describes instructional methods designed to address the learning and behavioral problems typical of adolescent learners with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and mild mental retardation. Part 1 provides an overview of special education and adolescents and includes chapters on programming for adolescents with mild…

This paper describes a course at West Virginia University that teaches academic self-management to beginning university students who have learning disabilities or are otherwise at risk for academic failure. The course uses an integrated approach that emphasizes the development of college study skills, self-management skills, and academic…