A formulated definition of the term dyslexia is proposed in this paper in order to clarify the semantical confusion which exists among both specialists and the general public. Dyslexia is explained as a generic term for severe and puzzling reading disability, found to be both acute (where reading-age lags 25 percent or more below mental age) and…

The relationship between neurological impairment or brain damage and severe reading disability is investigated. Symptoms and causes of neurological impairment are listed, and reading disability theories are discussed. Smith and Carrigan offer a neurochemical explanation of reading disability based on synaptic transmission problems. Orton,…

Many educators are critical of the teaching of English where it is the native tongue. The presence of poorly motivated students in high schools proves its need. Perhaps they should leave school and resume their education when they have matured. (AF)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that an Individualized Education Program (IEP) be developed for each child that receives special education services. To develop the most effective IEP, information is gathered from everyone who has worked with the child. In many schools the child receives early intervention services prior to…

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of lexical restructuring on children's phonological awareness. Thirty-three preschool children were assessed for vocabulary skills and ability to detect rhyme. Results supported the lexical restructuring theory because expressive vocabulary abilities were correlated with rhyming…

The purpose of this study was to determine if phonemic awareness skills improved for first grade students classified as at-risk whose teachers used the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS; Lindamood & Lindamood, 1998). Students' scores on a Kindergarten screening tool (Learning Disabilities Working Committee-LDWC, 2005) were compared to…

There is a recent interest in volunteer tutoring programs and research has suggested effectiveness in improving reading skills. Previous research found that the Help One Student to Succeed (HOSTS) volunteer tutoring program increased reading fluency and comprehension over a 5-month interval (Burns, Senesac, & Symington, 2004). The current…

This series of nine articles on dyslexia, or specific language disability, originally appeared in the Baltimore "Evening Sun" in response to increasing public interest regarding reading disabilities and handicaps. These articles summarize the methods of identifying and teaching these children and discuss the school's common failure to identify and…

States that the term "reading disability" is a disease metaphor that narrows our ability to work with failure and that it is necessary to diagnosis a child's reading problem accurately in order to treat the problem adequately. (MKM)

Various aspects of reading achievement and non-promotion policies as they affect Mexican Americans are investigated. (Author/JP)

Gives a case history of a strange disability called dyslexia, and tells how the person struggled his way into college without knowing how to read. (Editor/GB)

A better developmental program, writes the author, must replace the old remedial'' approach, (Author/MB)

Irreverently examines Rudolph Flesch's theories for teaching a child to read "properly." Alternatives to Flesch's method are also given. (HTH)

Reviews current studies predicting risk for reading disability. Studies indicate children at risk for reading failure can be identified early in their school career. Measures of phonological skills are useful components of prediction batteries, but other factors should be considered. Describes tools for early identification and discusses methods…