Gifted, average, and learning-disabled children (total n=660) in grades four and seven were assessed on measures of achievement, ability, perceived competence in cognitive ability, self-concept, and locus of control over a two-year period. In general, perceived competence and self-concept were higher for gifted students and were stable for all…

Sixteen students with learning disabilities in junior high special education classrooms were given instruction in science, with levels of teacher enthusiasm manipulated. Results suggest that more enthusiastic presentations resulted in significantly higher academic achievement and lower levels of off-task behavior. (Author/JDD)

Interactive dialogues between teacher and student or between student and student were used to teach revision skills to 18 adolescents with learning disabilities or English as a Second language. Both intervention conditions were equally effective in promoting clarity and thematic salience in trainees' reportive essays. (Author/JDD)

The article describes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how it affects learning, notes why whole language provides one of the best settings for students with ADHD, and discusses strategies for adapting the whole-language classroom to meet the needs of many different kinds of learners. (SM)

Review of 48 studies concerning interventions designed to impact the reading comprehension of students with learning disabilities suggests that strong effect sizes are more likely when researchers compare experimental treatment to nontreatment, deliver treatment themselves rather than have classroom teachers deliver it, and assess treatment…

Perceptions of mainstreamed students with learning disabilities (n=60) regarding adaptations (e.g., altering tests, homework, assignments, instruction) made by general education teachers were compared with perceptions of low achieving (n=59) and average/high achieving (n=60) students. Differences were found in relation to elementary versus…

Fifty-six children with speech-language impairments were identified in kindergarten and followed in first and second grades. Subjects' performance on standardized measures of language ability in kindergarten was closely related to reading outcome, especially reading comprehension. Measures of phonological awareness and rapid automatized naming…

Discussion of practicing academic skills focuses on a program at the Ben Bronz Academy (Connecticut) for learning-disabled students that uses Precision Teaching and fluency practice via computers. Highlights include fluency and academic performance; knowledge of progress, including charts of student progress; and suggestions for further research.…

Comparison of data on 8,748 students with learning disabilities (LD) and 78,757 nondisabled peers who took the American College Testing (ACT) examinations found ACT performance less predictable for the LD group. For both groups, math credits best predicted ACT Math scores, and high school grade point average best predicted ACT English and Science…

An adult, nontraditional student with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, now enrolled in a community college, describes the pain of her school experiences, her quest for self-identity and personal satisfaction, and the value of drug therapy and other treatments. Suggestions are offered for students with similar problems. (JDD)

Reports on a study of self-concept among 424 Greek elementary students classified as normal achievers, low achievers, and those with learning difficulties. Finds that special education students rated themselves lower than their normally achieving and low achieving peers on academic self-concept. (CFR)

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…

Principal themes associated with assessment and evaluation as these constructs or concepts have evolved in relation to special education in England and Wales are discussed, concentrating on developments since 1978. Shortcomings of the proposed National Curriculum with regard to special needs students are discussed. (SLD)

Two experiments examined the role of phonemic processing in disabled readers. The first involved disabled and nondisabled second and fourth grade readers' ability to identify and discriminate phonemes. The second examined the effect of phonemic stimuli training on disabled readers who performed poorly in the first experiment. Training…

Presents results of a nationwide survey to determine measures being used to diagnose reading difficulties and place students in learning disability or Chapter 1 classes. Finds that calls for change in assessment and placement practices have largely been ignored and implications suggest a need for reform. (MG)