This article describes interventions available for remediating the social and personal problems of students with learning disabilities. Problems are categorized as environmental conflicts or personal disturbances. Interventions described include contingency management, cognitive-behavioral interventions, social skills training, stimulant…

Meta-analysis on 25 studies found that both methodologically strong and weak studies demonstrated significant behavioral deficits of children with learning disabilities in 5 areas: on-task behavior, off-task behavior, conduct disorders, distractibility, and shy/withdrawn behavior. Effect sizes clustered around 1 standard deviation. (Author/DB)

This article identifies issues for students with learning disabilities at the secondary level (e.g., underpreparedness, definition, and overidentification) and the postsecondary level (e.g., admission and academic adjustments, service delivery, training and research needs). It calls for policy formulation, research, and administrative planning for…

Empirical studies on teaching content-area information to underachieving or mildly disabled students are reviewed. Instructional options include content reduction, learnable text, content enhancement, use of audiorecordings and computer-assisted instruction, and promoting use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies. A content enhancement model…

The use of predictable and unpredictable trial sequences during small-group instruction was evaluated in teaching word and abbreviation identification to 4 students (age 8-10) with learning disabilities. No consistent effects of the trial presentation methods were found across 3 investigations, which involved progressive time-delay procedures and…

Examines the effects of a tactile and kinaesthetic teaching method on the spelling performance of a special education student. Finds improved accuracy in weekly tests but modest long-term retention when tracing target words with the index finger of the dominant hand. Finds overall improved scores when tracing was combined with dictation. (KEH)

The study compared adolescents with mild mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and no known handicaps using measures of sociometric status, social impact, and social preference. Not all students with mild handicaps were similar in social acceptance, rejection, and preference. Learning-disabled students were remarkably…

A process approach to writing instruction with learning-disabled students is presented, in which students are guided through the processes of planning, drafting, and revising text. The model emphasizes the interaction of the teacher and learner through such activities as conferences, prompting, modeling, peer collaboration, and dialogues about…

Examined differences in self-concept, attributions, and teacher-related persistence in students with learning disabilities (N=49) and in nonhandicapped students (N=57). Results indicated students with learning disabilities reported lower self-concepts on items related to academic achievement, and were rated by their teachers as less persistent…

Examines knowledge, attitudes, and development requirements of adult basic education (ABE) and general equivalency diploma (GED) staff regarding students with learning disabilities. Reports that respondents generally held positive attitudes towards the learning disabled, but were not as knowledgeable about the learning disabled's legal rights.…

A study of families of 30 learning handicapped and 30 nonhandicapped adolescents revealed that adolescents in each group had similar perspectives on family adaptability, cohesion, and communication patterns, while parents of learning handicapped adolescents perceived less family cohesion and lower levels of communication than did their offspring.…

The Alternative Learners Program at College Misericordia is described. The program was founded 10 years ago by Joseph P. Rogan, and was one of the first for learning-disabled students. Learning strategies include tutoring, note-taking services, and talking computers and calculators. (MLW)

Two measures used for early detection of learning problems (Preschool Screening System and Denver Articulation Screening Exam) were tested for their predictive validity. Educational placement at the end of grade one was examined and compared to pre-kindergarten test scores on the two measures. Analysis found both measures to be valid. (Author/MSE)

Proposes an approach to deal with learning difficulties of children with special needs. Identifies three major needs of such students and recommends the application of this active modification approach. Suggests that responsibility for the student's failure always lies with the educational system rather than with the child. (KO)

Describes employment concerns of learning-disabled persons and suggests strategies to assist them in interacting more effectively with employers. Presents additional intervention strategies for rehabilitation counselors and placement specialists working with learning-disabled clients. (Author/CM)