This introductory article considers the impact of homework requirements on students with learning disabilities in light of increased mainstreaming of these students and rising academic demands. Noted are three recent projects examining the impact of school reform on students with disabilities and their families. (DB)

Three studies investigated 98 children's and 252 adults' implicit knowledge about learning disabilities. Overall, the studies suggested that professionals outside the field of special education, as well as nondisabled children, have fairly well-developed ideas about what constitutes a learning disability. Exemplars of tacit knowledge matched most…

This article reviews issues relating to using homework with students having learning disabilities and then identifies empirically validated and recommended practices, grouped into four categories: (1) management considerations; (2) assignment considerations; (3) student competencies; and (4) parent involvement. (DB)

Examines identification of learning-disabled students, comparing advantages and disadvantages of most common discrepancy formulas and multiple regression discrepancy method. Contends that educational and statistical significance of test scores should be taken into consideration during identification process, and consonance between…

Compared social-behavioral competencies of 40 learning-disabled, 40 low-achieving, and 40 typical elementary school students. Teacher ratings using Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment revealed that learning-disabled and low-achieving students were both rated as having significantly lower levels of social competence…

Some researchers have attributed school learning problems to students entering school too early. Investigated relationship between students' month of birth and learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and speech and language delays in 1,951 identified students with these disabilities. Analysis did not find that late-birthdate children were…

Investigates the concept of educational inclusion, which refers to the integration of handicapped students into regular classrooms. Considers the issues broached by inclusion for classroom teachers. Presents concerns of the teachers regarding a number of issues. (HB)

Discusses the practice of using a portfolio reporting system in a learning disabilities resource room. Gives several rationales for the superiority of portfolios. Provides specific examples of student work. Provides a detailed description of how to implement portfolio reporting in the classroom, including planning, selection of materials, and…

Investigation of the stability of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised scores of 25 college students over a 4-year period found that global and subtest scores were highly stable. Subtest scores tended to be higher on the retest, but global scores were not despite four years of educational experiences between test administrations. (Author/DB)

Proposes using literature to teach reading to learning-disabled students as an alternative to basal readers, because authentic text is more predictable, cohesive, and interesting. Additional components of a literature-based program include reading aloud, silent reading, self-selection of materials, meaning-centered curriculum, oral response…

The "count-by" technique of multiplication was taught to a fourth grade student with learning disabilities. The student learned to count by numbers not typically taught (e.g., fours, sevens, and eights). The method resulted in substantial increases in correct multiplications performed per minute, which were maintained and generalized to…

Recounts a reading teacher's illuminating experience with a first grader who enjoyed reading Bill Martin's "Brown Bear" books, despite being labeled as dyslexic. Dyslexia is an elusive condition that is biological in origin and distinct from other reading problems. New research shows that reading difficulties, including dyslexia, occur as part of…

Fragile X Syndrome is an inherited condition often causing mental retardation in adolescence but difficult to detect in childhood. Early detection allows therapeutic intervention and alerts parents to seek genetic counseling. Symptoms warranting a referral include language delay, autistic behaviors, hand-biting, oversensitivity to touch, large…

Describes successful service club program serving adolescent boys with social, emotional, and learning problems who reside at Philadelphia's Pathway School. Considers strengths and weaknesses; power and helplessness; worthiness and worthlessness; and giving and dependency. Provides examples from programs and their participants. (NB)

Nine college students with learning/reading disabilities were compared with reading-level (RA) and chronological age (CA) contrast groups on several phonological and morphological computerized information-processing tasks. Target students showed both quantitative and qualitative differences in processing tasks. Results support the integration of…