The papers in the special series describe the role of data-based decision-making (DBDM) in improving the outcomes of students with learning disabilities based on research across Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. The articles address multiple aspects of a model of DBDM that includes the role of teacher knowledge, skills, beliefs, and…

Although data-based individualization (DBI) has positive effects on learning outcomes for students with learning difficulties, this framework can be difficult for teachers to implement due to its complexity and contextual barriers. The first aim of this synthesis was to investigate the effects of ongoing professional development (PD) support for…

In recent years, teachers in Western countries have developed beliefs and attitudes related to working with students with specific learning disabilities (LD) that may be critical in shaping their educational practices with them; however, their beliefs and attitudes differ across political and geographical contexts and may be influenced by specific…

The purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of a modified cognitive strategy instructional intervention originally developed to improve the mathematical problem solving of middle and high school students with learning disabilities (LD). Fifth and sixth grade general education mathematics teachers and their students of varying ability…

A synthesis of the extant research on peer-mediated reading and math interventions for students in regular or alternative education settings with academic difficulties and disabilities in Grades 6 to 12 (ages 11-18) is presented. Interventions conducted between 2001 and 2012 targeting reading and math were included if they measured effects on at…

The present study examined teacher attitudes toward dyslexia and the effects of these attitudes on teacher expectations and the academic achievement of students with dyslexia compared to students without learning disabilities. The attitudes of 30 regular education teachers toward dyslexia were determined using both an implicit measure and an…

Two investigations were conducted to ascertain teachers' expectations for the performance of the younger siblings of learning disabled students. Results indicated that teachers held lower expectations for younger siblings of LD than of non-LD students. (Author/CL)

Described is a simulated reading activity which learning disability (LD) teachers can use to help classroom teachers experience the anxieties, frustrations, and failures that LD students experience under group norm instruction. (CL)

Parents and teachers of 17 children (mean age 10.5 years) diagnosed as learning disabled were administered the Child Behavior Checklist. The results indicated that parents and teachers agreed with regard to externalizing type behavior. Parents' and teachers' disagreement was greatest for younger children when reporting internalizing type behavior.…

An awareness program designed to help teachers recognize subtle patterns of their own behavior regarding learning disabled (LD) students did not affect the frequency of teacher-LD student interactions and responses but decreased nonsupportive verbal and negative nonverbal behavior toward the students. (CL)

The article reviews research on classroom behavior of learning disabled elementary school students. Topics covered include students' attention and hyperactivity, teacher-child interactions, teachers' perceptions, and the relationship between classroom behavior and achievement. Directions for future research are suggested, including research on LD…

The article explores characteristics of resistance by general educators to special education consultation programs. It offers teachers of learning disabled students strategies for managing specific types of resistance as well as a general plan for minimizing resistance as well as suggestions for evaluating the impact of resistance management…

Statistical analyses of the Behavior Manageability and Behavioral Contagion Scales completed by 44 regular education teachers and 44 teachers of the learning disabled found that no significant group differences existed, that withdrawn behavior was most difficult to manage, and that acting-out behaviors were most disruptive to other students.…

The purpose of the survey of 500 resource teachers was to determine the prevalence of social dysfunction among learning-disabled students. Results indicate that up to 38 percent of this student population was in need of social skills intervention but that relatively few were actually receiving the needed intervention. (Author/DB)