Self-perceived competence was assessed for 60 8- 13-year-old children, grouped by learning disability and behavior disorder. Subjects included 15 controls and 3 groups of 15 learning-disabled children each ("normals," externalizers, and mixed symptomatology). Cognitive and social self-concept are as strongly related to behavioral factors…

Fifteen learning-disabled (LD), 33 attention disordered (AD), and 28 normal adolescents were assessed with 2 performance measures and 3 behavioral measures while working on mathematics problems. Findings support theoretical predictions that LD and AD children have difficulty with repetitive stimuli, contributing to mathematics deficits. (SLD)

The sociocultural context of the lives of five Hispanic American and five Anglo learning-disabled adolescents was studied over a school year to determine everyday stressors and coping strategies. In addition to the typical concerns of adolescents, cultural conflicts and learning handicapped status are major sources of stress. (SLD)

Students (n=300) referred for special education and diagnosed as learning disabled, mentally retarded, or not eligible were examined to determine the differential contribution of sociocultural variables on eligibility decisions within the context of intelligence test factors. Factors analyzed included verbal comprehension, perceptual organization,…

Issues are discussed in the transition of students with learning disabilities from high school to employment or postsecondary education, focusing on the importance of providing instructional and counseling services to help students become self-sufficient, independent thinkers who can self-advocate and be responsible for their actions. (Author/JDD)

A multimethod study encouraged teachers, aided by supervisors, to examine their own teaching practices by viewing and discussing videotapes of their interactions with students. Results with four elementary school teachers, eight supervisors, and two observers indicate that the approach may facilitate teacher change and enhance effectiveness. (SLD)

The authors of an article on staff development for general education teachers serving students with learning disabilities respond to a commentary. They stress the involvement of teachers in the development and research process on Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM) and Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS). They also note independent teacher…

Provides guidelines for fostering positive teacher-parent relationships. Discusses recent legislative mandates, how parent/teacher relationships are affected by current policy issues promoted by professional education organizations, and methods of constructive communication. Parents and teachers of students with learning disabilities are urged to…

Surveys the current status of assistive technology for individuals with learning disabilities and considers future promises and potential problems. A model is presented for conceptualizing assistive technology in terms of the types of barriers it helps to surmount. Efficacy research is reviewed for word processing, computer-based instruction,…

Describes the Language and Learning Seminar, a college course at York University, Ontario, that is designed to help students with learning disabilities grapple with learned helplessness issues. The supportive group process of learning therapy is embedded into the writing course, helping students address the emotional concomitants of failure and…

Presents a diagnostic teaching unit in general science designed to identify effective learning strategies for seventh-grade students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders. The unit is intended to identify effective strategies for students in reading comprehension, mathematics problem solving, and memory. Detailed instructions for four…

To illustrate the impact of research on the performance and quality of life of individuals with disabilities, this article highlights three research areas supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): (1) at-risk infant programs; (2) learning strategy interventions for adolescents with learning disabilities; and (3)…

Forty-nine adults with learning disabilities who had attended a university between 1980 and 1992 were interviewed. Most respondents had adjusted well, with approximately 80% employed, mostly in white-collar jobs. Most reported they were active socially and happy with their social life. Few disclosed their learning disabilities when applying for…

This article focuses on the status of the learning disabilities field, including the accomplishments as well as elements of the unfinished agenda that are needed to move the field forward. Drawing on contributions of influential special educators, it discusses how these foundations provide a basis for future developments in the field. (Contains…

This article explains how to teach long division using hands-on materials (skittles, base ten blocks, colored counters, numeral cards) and investigates reviewing division word problems with middle school students (N=27) with learning disabilities in mathematics by this approach compared to spending the same amount of time on the typical practices…