Discusses the need to incorporate a sociocultural perspective into the design and reporting of inclusion research, thereby broadening the range of student and contextual variables considered and reported. A sociocultural framework and list of variables is proposed and applied to a sample of learning disabilities inclusion studies. (Author/CR)

A study of special educators (n=21), bilingual credentialed teachers (n=21), and school psychologists (n=21) examined their judgments regarding how portfolio data compared to traditional standardized assessment data. Results indicate that portfolio data led to more numerous, specific, and detailed recommendations and judgments, and is more…

This introductory article discusses the field of mathematics education for students with learning disabilities, from 1950 to the present. Topics addressed include different perspectives on mathematics learning disabilities, student assessment, mathematics programming, and teacher preparation. The mathematics standards endorsed by the National…

Analyzes the current state of mathematics assessment as applied to individuals with learning disabilities. An overview of the development of mathematics assessment is provided and specific strategies for conducting math evaluations are described, including portfolios, criterion-referenced tests, curriculum-based measurement, observations, and…

Investigated whether the pseudoword repetition difference between poor and normal readers in the Netherlands could be explained by differences in memory for verbal materials or in familiarity with the composition of verbal materials. Concludes that the pseudoword repetition of poor readers is already operative in early, perceptual states of…

Discusses the beliefs of children with learning disabilities about listening and the listener's role in repairing communicative breakdowns. Describes ways of using children's literature to enable students to reflect on the interactive roles of speaker and listener using stories with a theme of resolving communication breakdowns. (Author/CR)

Discusses the Tomlinson Report, a national review of further education (FE) for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in the United Kingdom, which advocated an inclusive approach. Considers the rationale for a philosophy of inclusive learning, improving access to FE, and quality of FE. Principles and recommendations of the…

Based on experience of having two children with multiple learning disabilities, the author offers strategies for parents to help children experience success and excellence in their education: (1) never limit expectations or predetermine the final outcome; (2) explore all interests and abilities for hidden potential; and (3) include children in…

A study analyzed the verbatim transcription of a videotaped literacy lesson in a heterogeneous middle-school urban classroom. Ways students participated in the literary discourse and teacher practices that supported students' participation are described. Findings indicate students with disabilities could acquire the discourse practices needed for…

Analysis of special education services in British Columbia (BC) for students with learning disabilities in light of a current legal challenge finds the province's policies and practices are supported by theory and research on best practices. However, BC's Ministry of Education is urged to ensure policies are enacted consistently and to increase…

A meta-analysis of 40 studies investigated the self-concept of students with learning disabilities (LD) in different educational placements. No association between self-concept and placement was found for four of five comparisons. However, students with LD in self-contained classrooms in regular schools exhibited lower self-concept compared to…

A study examined how Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Writing (SCIW), helped enable four seventh-graders with learning disabilities to take over responsibility for their own writing performance and to scaffold one another's writing development. Teacher modeling and scaffolding, writing process collaboration, and structuring think-sheets enabled…

This article explains how teachers can strengthen the self-efficacy of students who are struggling academically and increase their motivation for schoolwork. Instructional principles include linking new work to recent successes, teaching needed learning strategies, reinforcing effort and persistence, stressing peer modeling, and helping students…

This study examined cognitive, academic, and attitudinal predictors of college grade point average (GPA) among 84 college students with learning disabilities (LD) attending a large midwestern university. Results indicated that Full Scale IQ and one factor (delay/avoidance) on the self-reported study habits scale accounted for a significant amount…

This article argues that an investigation into parents' expectations could lead to a greater understanding of how parents of children with disabilities respond to their new-found situation. It discusses how people develop their understanding through interaction with their social environment and relates this framework to parents of children with…