Lauretta Bender's experiences as a bright child struggling with specific learning problems and her subsequent work in language disorders are described. Her recognition of the biological nature of a group of learning disorders for which there was no clinical evidence of structural damage to the central nervous system is emphasized. (JDD)

Investigates the differences in spelling error features among learning disabled and normal students across four grade levels of spelling achievement. Finds support for the theory of developmental word knowledge and for the position that learning disabled and normally achieving children acquire aspects of orthography in similar progressions. (RS)

Examined similarity of scores of 30 learning disabled students (aged 16 and 17) on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Results documented similarity between WISC-R and WAIS-R for 16 year-olds who were learning disabled and had average intellectual ability.…

Patterns of memory dysfunction were determined in 50 middle school learning disabled readers (LD) through a hierarchical cluster analysis. Results were consistent with memory capacity theories of LD and provided external validation for classification of LD readers on psychometric measures according to patterns of memory performance. (Author/DB)

Discusses the reform efforts of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Standards documents and presents six research-based instructional strategies to use with students with learning disabilities: big ideas, conspicuous strategies, mediated scaffolding, strategic integration, ground knowledge, and judicious review. Contains 55…

This paper reviews literature supporting the notion that learning disabilities are presumed to be a result of central nervous system dysfunction. It focuses on the postmortem and neuroimaging studies that provide evidence of a neurological conceptualization of learning disabilities. (Author/JDD)

This article draws upon evidence from letters, prose, poetry, and biographies of William Butler Yeats and concludes that this nineteenth-century poet probably suffered from dyslexia. (DB)

Discusses a historical pattern of disagreement among experts about the way to label children who have reading difficulties. Suggests that this lack of agreement has resulted in difficulties for students who end up being labeled as well as those who do not get help because they do not fit a label. (RS)

The article discusses aspects of the definition of "learning disabilities". The process of learning is discussed including such themes as social interaction, personal reflection and response, integration, transformation/growth, and ecological wholeness, balance, and fit. Encouraged is a nonproblematic definition of learning disabilities. (DB)

Preferred learning modalities of adults with learning disabilities should be assessed to make learning productive. Relevant information can be acquired about communication styles and skills, color association, hobbies and leisure activities, and favored learning or work environments. (SK)

Examined student records of 130 children with learning difficulties who had been tested twice to determine the stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) scores over time. Results suggest that the intelligence quotients in this population are not as stable as was previously thought, and this may provide rationale for…

Reviews literature on possible causes of social functioning deficits in adults with learning disabilities including language disorders, information processing deficits, and behavioral and/or attention problems. Discusses co-occurrence of social functioning deficits with nonverbal learning disability, and effects of educational isolation,…

Considers how characteristics of adult learners (self-direction, experience as a learning resource, need for learning, motivation, and orientation to learning) in Knowles' model of andragogy apply to adults with learning difficulties. Concludes that these adults may need both prescriptive and facilitative teaching. (SK)

This commentary on an operational definition of learning disabilities (proposed by S. Shaw and others) considers benefits of the proposed definition, such as clarification of discrepancy issues and flexibility, but raises questions concerning the proposed levels in the definition, the role of clinical judgment, and legal considerations. (DB)

This annotated bibliography provides brief descriptions of 13 selected readings and resources concerned with teaching reading to young children with learning disabilities. Included are journal articles, research reports, and teaching guides. (DB)