Learning disabled elementary school children can learn subtraction skills with the aid of "hide and seek" number concept cards and a five-step sequence: (1) find a way to work it out, (2) add to check, (3) look for subtraction "partners," (4) group facts into "families," and (5) practice. (CB)

The paper on learning disability (LD) definition and subtypes considers the nature of the definition and differentiation problems, the importance of placing and keeping LD in perspective vis a vis other learning problems, and future development of a LD classification schema using dimensions of cause, severity, pervasiveness, and chronicity.…

The tendency toward overly positive self-evaluative statements of students with learning and behavior problems was analyzed with 19 such students (aged 9.6 to 15.2 years). Findings supported an interpretation of such statements as a form of self-protective behavior, rather than the inability to make accurate self-evaluative judgments. (Author/DB

The paper identifies areas of agreement among leaders in learning disabilities (LD) including heterogeneity of the LD population; explores the classification problem as it relates to etiology and/or treatment, and proposes a five-step plan to influence public policy concerned with differentiation and treatment of different types of learning…

The investigation compared the sociometric status of 37 learning disabled (LD) elementary grade boys and girls and their non-learning disabled peers. Findings indicated that the lower sociometric status of LD children was attributable to same-sex rejections of girls. LD children tended to play alone more often than non-LD children. (Author/DB)

An examination of articles on learning disabilities published between 1963 and 1984 in popular periodicals revealed that learning disabilities are viewed as neurophysiological in origin and that remedial interventions should include multiple instructional methods and accommodate the individual aptitudes of the learner. (Author/DB)

Elementary and secondary education services available to learning disabled students in the Vancouver school system are described, including teaching and evaluation centers and an extended skills development center. (CL)

The history of the program in learning disabilities at Simon Fraser University is followed by a summary of currently available undergraduate and graduate courses. Three majority training needs are cited: consultation, skill application, and therapeutic instruction. (CL)

Results of recategorizing the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) subtest scores of 159 black learning disabled primary grade children into spatial, conceptual, and sequential scales as recommended by A. Bannatyne led to the conclusion that the diagnostic utility of the Bannatyne recategorization is questionable. (Author/DB)

Diagnostic procedures used to identify children (grades K-6) with learning disabilities in 14 school districts were studied and compared. Although some similarities existed between districts, uniformity was lacking in important areas such as test selection, extent of testing, and cutoff scores on intelligence and other tests. (Author/CL)

Comprehensive batteries for neuropsychological assessment of children with learning problems,such as the Reitan-Indiana and Luria-Nebraska Children's Batteries, have demonstrated diagnostic validity. Guidelines are proposed for the neuropsychological interpretation of assessment instruments commonly used by school psychologists and educational…

Though clinical judgement is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and provision of services to learning disabled children, such judgement must be based on objective evidence. A statistical procedure for applying the severe discrepancy criterion dictated in federal regulations is suggested for objectifying learning disability diagnosis. (Author/DB)

Forty sixth and seventh graders (learning disabled and non LD) completed the Autonomy Multiple Choice measure and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Significant differences between groups were found: LD Ss demonstrated lower levels of autonomy in situations where the source of stress was situational (trauma) or personal (parents or peers).…

Assessment of learning disabilities is traced. Among the critical issues examined are definitions, eligibility criteria, placement bias, and interpretation of P.L. 94-142 (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act) guidelines. Recommendations are offered for an adequate definition and determination of LD. Future directions, including…

The paper cites research which suggests that computers be programmed to deliver effective practice in basic decoding skills. Three evaluation studies are presented that show how currently available programs can be used to increase decoding fluency in children with reading problems. (CL)