A review of the research on metacognition explores the impact of this concept on learning-disabled individuals, focusing on the positive effects of such research on teaching and on the importance of broadening teachers' understanding of their learning-disabled students' academic failures. (Author/CB)

The article examines the foreign language requirement in college and its impact on universities and students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). Noted are SLD foreign language learning subtypes, factors affecting SLD students' language learning ability, college expectations and requirements, and ways universities are dealing with these…

Extracts from "Experimenting with Numbers" by Margaret Stern demonstrate the use of Stern Blocks to develop the conceptual base on which learning disabled students can build further mathematical skills. (DB)

The article details an instructional procedure (based on the effective instruction research) to enable learning disabled adolescents to master three types of algebraic word problems: relational problems, proportion problems, and problems with two variables and two equations. (Author/DB)

In view of popular press coverage of controversial approaches to treating learning disabilities, the article briefly reviews evidence concerning the following: neurophysiological retraining (patterning, optometric visual training, cerebellar-vestibular remediation, and applied kinesiology); and orthomolecular medicine (concerning megavitamins,…

The effectiveness of two approaches (direct instruction and discussion/workbook) to teaching 25 elementary level learning disabled students three critical reading skills (argument analysis, embedded argument analysis, skill classification) was evaluated. Subjects in the direct instruction group were found to significantly outperform subjects in…

Comparison of the differential text structure skills in reading and writing of elementary level learning disabled (N=42) and three groups of regular class students indicated significant differences between learning disabled students and their peers in the use of text structure in both reading and writing of expository prose. (Author/DB)

The position paper (1981) of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities presents a revised definition of learning disabilities and identifies issues and concerns (such as the limitation to children and the exclusion clause) associated with the definition included in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (DB)

Results indicated that attainability levels of learning goals affected the students' reading comprehension. LD adolescents had significantly higher comprehension when assessed on information associated with a learning goal completely attainable than on information associated with a partially attainable learning goal. (Author/CL)

Observation of seven resource teachers of learning disabled and educable mentally disabled students revealed that four teacher behaviors had a substantial impact on task involvement: teacher positioning, effective surveillance, provision of consequences for task involvement, and management of transition times. (CL)

Opposing views regarding the connection between lead exposure and cognitive impairment are presented. C. B. Ernhart states that no study has yet proved that low-level lead exposure is detrimental to child development, while H. L. Needleman asserts that previous research studies have proven conclusively that such a connection exists. (CB)

The paper questions whether the school consultation model which provides services to learning disabled students has a sound theoretical base. Included are an examination of 10 different models of consultation and their relationship to theory and a review of studies on facilitating the mainstreaming of learning disabled and other low achieving…

Results of administering a self concept measure to 24 learning disabled/gifted children (aged 8 to 12) as well as a student behavior measure to parents and teachers showed lower self concepts in the disabled children than in controls and significant relationships between self concept and hyperactive/asocial behaviors. (DB)

More than five years of research offers little evidence that students who attend federally funded remedial and learning disabled reading programs improve their reading skills. The three assumptions underlying these programs are discussed. Ways teachers and schools can evaluate their programs are listed. (MT)

The paper presents an intervention framework for the management of communication disorders in learning disabled children. The model is comprised of three components: communicative intentions, presupposition, and the social organization of discourse. Resulting instructional guidelines and principles are offered. (Author/DB)