A peg-word mnemonic technique increased the memorability of paired associates for 15 (LD) and 15 non LD junior high students. Differential longer term retention slightly favored the nondisabled. (CL)

The author describes the tests he uses in evaluating students for learning disabilities, his reasons for using them, and results and interpretations based on those tests. (CL)

Fifty-five first- and second-grade learning-disabled (LD) children were subdivided into six perceptual and linguistic subtypes using hierarchical cluster analysis techniques. Three distinctive patterns of learning disabilities were found, representing a specific language disability (27%) and two variations of mixed perceptual and linguistic…

Findings revealed that 63 learning disabled students scored significantly lower than 30 regular education students (both groups 6-15 years old) on all reading measures. Existing differences in the reading ability level between the two groups did not solely account for the obtained difference in reading achievement. (Author/CL)

The paper describes and provides pilot study data on a computer-based reading comprehension program for learning disabled students in grades 4-9. The program features diagnosis and practice in five skill areas: semantics, syntax, relationships, inference, and interpretation. (CL)

Emotional development from infancy to adolescence is traced and the effects of psychosocial issues on a child with a learning disability are considered for five of E. Erikson's seven proposed stages (trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, adolescence). The need for intervention and parent counseling at each state is emphasized. (CL)

Research in the genetics of behavioral traits, undertaken by family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, has revealed information on normal variation in cognitive abilities as well as specific learning disabilities (primarily dyslexia). Genetic evaluation of learning disabled students have implications for counseling and recurrence risk…

A mood chart allows learning and/or behavior disabled students (8-12 years old) to evaluate and monitor their present mood. The chart can also be used to analyze the relationship between mood and inappropriate behavior, to communicate with parents, and to promote children's awareness and understanding of each other's feelings. (CL)

A time series study of 60 individuals (elementary through postsecondary levels) who had been labeled learning disabled in the public schools revealed their likes (such as sports and field trips) as well as dislikes (formal learning). They specified what could have made a difference in their learning experiences. (CL)

The Statewide (Virginia) Personnel Preparation Project, designed to provide training and ongoing support for teachers of learning disabled adolescents, consists of four major components: a summer institute, a full-year follow-through directed study program, a four-activity technical assistance program, and a preservice component. (CL)

Findings indicated no differences between 17 learning disabled and 32 normal elementary students on attention tasks, no difference in sustained attention, and no evidence of a developmental lag. A significant difference in attention was found favoring special classes over regular, small groups over large, and teacher-directed over independent…

A rapid naming test was administered to 321 prereaders (five-seven years old). Results showed sex differences in degree of correlation between naming performance and a test of general intelligence. Results bear theoretically on the degree to which a learning disability can appear as an isolated deficit in the two sexes. (Author/CL)

The parents of 90 children (30 each of learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, and normal children five-14 years old) completed The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales. Results provided partial support for the hypotheses on family interaction with implications for assessing and intervening in problems identified as learning…

Results showed: (1) the dyslexic student produced syntactically complex structures comparable to nondyslexic writers; (2) primary semantic errors were inappropriate word choices and incorrect determiners; (3) the major problem with organization involved difficulties with expanding an idea and (4) metacognitive strategies included difficulties with…

The paper describes a model program for learning disabled children who do not qualify for special education placement. The model emphasizes thorough evaluation, frequent reevaluation, staff accountability, program flexibility, and recognition of the parents' role of the child's education. (Author/CL)