In this article, the authors assess the evidence related to various instructional styles for teaching reading to children with learning disabilities. Results of the literature review indicate that whole language and direct instruction are the two major approaches to teaching reading. Whole language has proven successful for many students with…

This article presents the whole-language approach as an environment that is particularly suitable for students with learning disabilities. This approach can allow students control over their learning, encourages them to experiment and take risks in their learning, promotes self-monitoring strategies, and enhances memory. (SW)

This article explores the assumptions of traditional remedial and learning disabilities education and summarizes empirical evidence challenging this approach; examines the assumptions underlying whole language and the teacher's role in a whole language context; presents data on the efficacy of whole language instructional programs; and discusses…

This paper reviews the literature on the teacher's role in mediating learning for students with learning disabilities in whole language instructional programs, with specific emphasis on teaching students the parts of language and generalizing this knowledge to various contexts. Principles identified in the review include the following: the dynamic…

This book explains the whole language philosophy of learning to read and how it can be applied in special education classrooms to assist students with learning disabilities. Chapters address: (1) an overview of the whole language approach; (2) examples of how special education teachers use whole language to teach children with learning…