A methodological analysis of 22 comparative and descriptive studies of locus of control among students with learning disabilities identified serious deficiencies regarding participant selection and description and concerns regarding the use and nature of locus-of-control measures. The analysis concluded that available data do not support the…

A data-based approach is introduced as an alternative way to help teachers formulate decisions about the validity of test accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Three rationales for the approach are provided: an inadequate research base to guide decision-making, student heterogeneity, and problems with teacher's use of subjective…

This article synthesizes key findings to facilitate the translation of research into classroom practice and provides guidelines for how effective instructional practices might be implemented, supported, and sustained in schools. Excerpts from a case study are presented to show how research-based instructional approaches translate into classroom…

A study of 172 male and 120 female college students with learning disabilities investigated interaction of gender and ability on cognitive, language, and achievement variables. Most measures were strongly related to general cognitive ability. Gender differences were found for general short-term memory on one cognitive measure and the…

A study of 60 successful males and females with reading disabilities found both genders developed high level literacy skills through avid reading of high interest texts, females were more likely to be discouraged from pursuing academic interests, and both genders were discouraged from pursuing mathematics and science. (Contains references.)…

A review of 913 studies involving students with learning disabilities found treatment outcomes were significantly affected by the following violations: teacher effects, establishing criterion levels of instructional performance, reliance on experimental measures, using different pretest and posttest measures, using a sample heterogeneous in age,…

A study compared the effectiveness of phonemic awareness and decoding training for 58 first graders with and without severe lexical retrieval weaknesses. All students demonstrated poor phonemic awareness. Students with relatively strong lexical retrieval skills responded more favorably to beginning reading instruction than did students with weak…

Examined the effect of Greek kindergarten teachers' experience on their perceptions of the acceptability and frequency of use of intervention strategies with children having mild learning and behavior problems. Found that specialist consultation, positive intervention, and negative intervention influenced both acceptability and usage of these…

Explores the responses of teachers and parents to a trial of 'cluster grouping' (gifted students grouped together in a mixed ability class) as a model to meet the needs of exceptional students in a junior secondary school. Identifies factors impacting the school's Cluster Group Project. Discusses the results. (CMK)

Reviews the origins of the continuum of placement options for learning-disabled students and the recent calls to replace pull-out placements with full inclusion in general education, exploring the efficacy of full inclusion and the features of special education that must be preserved when reinventing services for students with learning…

This article addresses aspects of social skill instruction for students with learning disabilities, including assessing the need for instruction, the cultural context, children's and adults' opinions of the value of specific skills, social validation of skills, behavior replacement, and the developmental level of the child. (DB)

Structured interviews with 150 elementary students with learning disabilities found that they accurately perceived that special education is intended to provide extra help for children with academic problems. Students reported they liked special education classes, though some missed instruction or recreational activities in their mainstream class…

This review of the literature on the psychological adjustment of adults and children with severe learning difficulties looks at overall adjustment; interpersonal difficulties; self-concept; difficulties with self-control; and family relationships. Suggestions are offered regarding service delivery and the design of effective treatments for adult…

Spanish is the language recommended for "at-risk" students because of the correlation between the oral and written language. Students with dyslexia and other language problems can benefit from a suitable teaching method coupled with instructional materials and class activities that address their particular learning disorders. (four references)…

A survey of 34 Wyoming rural school districts examined how they make decisions regarding the allocation of resources for special education, particularly size of caseloads of special educators. In districts using only one service delivery model, the type of service delivery selected by the district appears to have the greatest impact on resource…