The first study investigates the validity of the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument as a diagnostic tool for differenciating the ability of language impaired preschoolers to use language to communicate complex ideas. The second study evaluates the relative effectiveness of two software environments that were expected to enhance children's…

The article identifies characteristics of children with moderate learning difficulties, relates these characteristics to features of educational technology, and lists strengths and weaknesses of computer assisted learning. The need for educational technology to compliment good teaching and not merely computerize outdated practices is stressed. (DB)

The article reports on a 1985 survey of state certification standards for learning disability teachers. A chart presents data by state under such headings as categorical endorsement, specific courses listed, the number of special education hours required, state-identified competency standards, and teacher exam. (DB)

Naturalistic observation techniques were used with 24 9- to 12-year-old learning disabled students to investigate two sets of variables that might influence achievement differences between computer-assisted instruction and seatwork: engagement rate and interactions with teachers and peers. Implications for research and microcomputer implementation…

Examines the ability of 30 normal and 30 learning disabled children across a three-year period to understand a sequence of instructions, communicate the steps in a sequence to others, and rephrase their verbal messages through a referential communication task. (HOD)

Normative data from 1300 (K-6) students and satisfactory psychometric data indicated a revised version (Classroom Adaptive Behavior Checklist) of the AAMD (American Association of Mental Deficiency) Adaptive Behavior Scale was valid in terms of test reliability, concurrent validity with another instrument, and discriminant validity between normal…

The Association for Children with Learning Disabilities encourages a Regular Education/Special Education Initiative as a system of integrated planning, delivery, and evaluation of the effects of services to disabled children. Specific recommendations regarding the development of pilot projects and competency training for school personnel, related…

This study examined the predictive validity of the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory with adolescents relative to each of the criterion measures representing communication satisfaction toward each parent and feelings toward each parent, and the differential validity of the self-esteem, communication satisfaction, and feelings toward each parent…

Explains six instructional components, based on a psycholinguistic view of reading, for teaching the adolescent disabled reader to read. (HOD)

Examined the role of various psychoeducational assessment devices in contributing to appropriate placement decisions for 30 emotionally handicapped, 30 learning disabled, and 30 educable mentally retarded students. Results showed that standardized tests plus teacher ratings were effective in predicting only the EMR group. (JAC)

Provides an overview of some of the more common psychological theories and behavioral variables associated with learning disabilities. Reviews Adlerian Rational Emotive and behavioral and hypnotherapy approaches as intervention strategies for the counselor confronted with learning disabled students. (LLL)

Two investigations of spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies by learning disabled and nonlearning disabled children and adolescents are reported. Despite differences, recall and strategy use were not useful predictors of classification as learning disabled or nonlearning disabled and were only weak to moderate correlates of academic achievement.…

Teacher-completed Behavior Problem Checklists for students (elementary/secondary) identified as educable mentally retarded, behaviorally disordered, or learning disabled, or not identified as handicapped showed that, as expected, behaviorally disordered students generally displayed more adjustment problems than the other groups, although for…

A survey of graduates' satisfaction with and perceptions of the effectiveness of off-campus and on-campus master's degree programs in special education revealed differences in attitudes toward service delivery and the importance of program goals in the two programs, but no differences in knowledge of program competencies or overall program…

The process of educational therapy is described in a sequence of phases identified as exploration, experimentation, reflection, and working through. The workings of this process are explained through the use of a case study. (CT)