Two key concepts in diagnosing learning disabilities ("severe discrepancy" and "process dysfunction") are reviewed, and their relationship to the habilitation of learning is discussed. Guidelines are given for calculating a severe discrepancy, and the evaluation of processing skills is discussed. Strength models of remediation…

Analysis of the school performance of 372 children (median age 9.2 years) placed in the care of nonparental relatives in Baltimore (Maryland) found higher rates of grade retention; higher participation in special and remedial education; and significant academic achievement and cognitive and language deficits compared to peers. (Author/DB)

Describes the development and use of computer-based teaching (CBT) at the University of Liverpool based on interviews with faculty members. Topics discussed include why CBT is used, including cost effectiveness and remedial instruction; how courseware should be developed; and case studies in a variety of subject areas. (Contains 20 references.)…

The effects of a skill remediation program designed to improve students' observational skills were studied with 132 sixth-grade students (66 in the experimental group) from 3 cultural groups in Nigeria. The remedial treatment, which included practical experiences, enhanced students' acquisition of observational skills. (SLD)

Seventy-two secondary students (with learning disabilities, remedial, or normally achieving) enrolled in science and social studies classes read textbook passages, completed study guides, and took tests using a computer or pencil and paper. On factual questions, analysis favored the computer overall, whereas no differences were found on…

Discusses the question of whether community colleges are providing valid liberal arts/general education curricula, citing both community college critics and supporters. Argues for a definition of liberal arts/general education that takes into account the educational aspirations of community college students. Considers the fine line between liberal…

Research of cognitive scientists is resulting in new learning theories through which students can move from novice to expert. How cognitive scientists work and how their results are applied are discussed. Reciprocal teaching, as implemented in the Springfield (Illinois) schools, provides an example of a successful research-based technique. (SLD)

Provides an update on community college responses to the new student majority who lack the skills to succeed in college-level work. Defines "at-risk students," identifies college responses to literacy problems, describes promising instructional strategies, and highlights problems in evaluating programs for at-risk students. (DMM)

Answers and rebuts an article by Larry Johannessen (in the same issue of the journal) that offers ways for teachers to deal with and help alienated remedial students. Addresses the issues of administrative help, the effect of the interests and enthusiasm of the teacher, and the inner resources of teachers in despair. (PRA)

Children (n=86, ages 6-8) who were receiving special help in reading were tested and followed up after 2 years. When the variance resulting from intelligence quotient and age was accounted for, orthographic processing, phonological awareness, and digit-naming speed were the only early cognitive processing tasks that made significant contributions…

A study using a path-analytic model compared first-year college students enrolled in remedial-type mathematics courses with counterparts enrolled in nonremedial coursework. Results revealed that students enrolled in nonremedial courses entered the institution with many advantages over those enrolled in remedial mathematics. Background variables…

Discusses the Collaborative Academic Preparation Initiative, an effort initiated by Charles Reed, Chancellor of the California State University System, to reduce remedial education through collaboration with public school efforts to raise standards. Activities include curriculum coordination, workshops for high school teachers, and tutoring…

Explores the influence of learning disabilities on the participation of youth in the juvenile justice system. Discusses the importance of early placement of learning-disabled youth in public school or in correctional education programs. Suggests social and academic skill remediation as a means of preventing dropping out. (RJM)

This tribute to Samuel Kirk, an early leader in the field of learning disabilities, is written by one of his doctoral students. It focuses on his contributions to teacher education and uses a mnemonic device (his name) to summarize contributions related to such areas as scientific inquiry, assessment, mainstreaming, kinesthetic/phonics methods,…

Describes a special project, in which at-risk ninth graders created a package of materials that a Peace Corps volunteer could take with him to Kyrghyzstan, where he was to teach English. Explains how the package contained an array of student-generated materials, including videos, newspapers, alphabet books, and cassette readings. (TB)