This document offers a framework for use by education agencies in developing rules and guidelines for use of paraprofessionals within programs serving individuals with learning disabilities. Separate sections address principles, definitions, ethical responsibilities, education requirements for paraprofessionals, roles and responsibilities of…

Two experiments investigated the effects of process mnemonic (PM) instruction on the computational skills of 57 13- to 14-year-old students with mathematics learning disabilities. Comparison with demonstration-imitation or study skills instruction found PM students usually showed the most improvement and their improvements maintained better at…

Discusses ways of helping attention deficit disorder students enrolled in college mathematics classes. (ASK)

Presents information on the Literacy in a Science Context (LISC) project where upper elementary school students use technology-enhanced learning environments to improve their literacy skills. Illustrates how this project can help students. (ASK)

Assessment models used with school-age samples require modification for use with adults having severe learning disabilities. At Fordham University's Comprehensive Learning Program, a screening session determines the mutual suitability of the client and the program being offered; subsequent comprehensive assessment of cognitive, educational,…

The ability to identify six facial expressions was studied in 48 nondisabled children and 76 children with learning disabilities (LD) ages 9 through 12. Overall, the nondisabled group had better interpretive ability. Among LD children, those with verbal deficits had better ability than either those with nonverbal deficits and or those with both…

This study compared employment and wage figures for 97 college graduates previously diagnosed with learning disabilities (LD) and 1,130 comparison adults. The observed lower wages for individuals with LD were found to be primarily due to differences in productivity, although the possibility that some of this differential is due to discrimination…

This editorial outlines how developments in our understanding of genetic information may raise new challenges for people with learning disabilities, their parents, and professionals working in learning disability services. It concludes by highlighting some key aspects professionals need to consider if they are to support effectively people who…

Presents a case history of a student with a number of disabilities, one of which was severe dyslexia. Illustrates that it is possible for students with disabilities to gain a place in and succeed at courses for professions that also have a high practical content. (Author/CCM)

Introduces this special issue on electronic literacy, which refers to literacy activities (e.g., in reading, writing, spelling) that are delivered, supported, accessed, or assessed digitally through computers or other electronic means rather than on paper. Suggests electronic literacy is not just an additional component to the existing definition…

Twenty-one middle school boys who were both gifted and learning disabled were interviewed to learn how they would handle hypothetical difficult school situations. Results are summarized in four tables that list: (1) how other people can help; (2) strategies for coping with academic content; (3) strategies for test taking; and (4) general…

Describes characteristics of students with nonverbal learning disorders and offers teachers suggestions for helping them work with students with these disabilities. Includes story of one nonverbal learning-disabled student's school experience. (PKP)

To test the relation between sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and DSM-IV ADHD symptoms, parent and teacher ratings of the 18 DSM-IV ADHD items and five potential SCT items were obtained in a community sample of 8-18 year-old twins that was overselected for ADHD and learning disabilities (n = 296). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a…

People with learning disability (LD) experience a range of mental health problems. They are a complex population, whose needs are not well understood. This study focuses on the development of a systematic process of needs assessment for this population. The Cardinal Needs Schedule used in general psychiatry was adapted for people with learning…

Historically, people with learning disabilities have had little or no access to psychotherapeutic interventions, although there are signs that, over the past decade, this situation has seen some gradual improvement. This paper provides an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and cognitive therapies…