Two studies were conducted to examine the extent to which the category "learning disabilities" (LD) meets the major criterion for classification systems, specifically that the category demonstrates at least one universal and one specific characteristic. Analyses were conducted on psychometric data for 248 students in regular 3rd, 5th,…

Three types of definitions of learning disabilities (LD) (ability-achievement discrepancy, low achievement, and scatter) were examined to determine the extent of common variance within 48 school-identified LD children and 96 nonLD children (all elementary students). Both samples had previously been administered a battery of psychoeducational…

A study involving 48 school-identified learning disabled (LD) and 96 nonLD elementary students investigated the numbers of students identified by three kinds of LD definitions: ability-achievement discrepancy, low achievement, and scatter. Relationships between each definition and actual school classification were also examined. Data from a…

A faculty member involved with the Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students (HELDS) project describes ways in which an English grammar course was modified to accommodate LD students. The course, designed to compensate for students' inadequacies in grammar, is described in terms of four phases: (1) the introductory period (in which LD…

An anthropology professor describes the instructional approach used as part of the HELDS (Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students) project. A syllabus for General Anthropology is presented that outlines course composition (mechanics, content, materials) and grading procedures. A sample unit on living primates illustrates the teaching…

The booklet reviews ways in which a foreign language teacher modified instruction as part of the HELDS (Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students) project. Basic principles in foreign language learning are reviewed, and the value of meaningful practice to allow students to focus on content and communication is emphasized. Strategies (such as…

The booklet describes approaches to teaching learning disabled students introductory physical anthropology, as related by a professor involved in the Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students (HELDS) program. The author suggests ways to identify LD students through observation of short attention span, restlessness, and marked discrepancies…

The author, a headmaster at a day school, suggested that if teachers are going to be responsible to their students, they must learn more about how learning actually takes place. (Author/RK)

A hemispheric specialization of function paradigm was used to test cognitive skill and cognitive style in learning disabled and "normal" boys between the ages of 7 and 12. Discussion emphasizes the need for more information on nonverbal processing skills to aid in developing verbal representational systems. (JMB)

A look at Project OPEN (Optimal Procedures for Educational Needs) which aims to integrate the special needs child with a learning disability into the regular classroom. (Author)

This study investigated the static balance performance of 20 nonhandicapped and 20 learning disabled male children in Texas by comparing mean distances of center of pressure displacement as measured by a forceplate. Specifically, mean displacements in the medial-lateral plane during five static balance tests were measured from a neutral starting…

The study examined emotional-motivational personality characteristics of 15 learning disabled, 15 normal achieving, and 15 high achieving students (grades 3-5). The study tested the hypothesis derived from the A-R-D (attitude-reinforcer-discriminative) theory of motivation that learning disabled (LD) children differ from normal and high achieving…