This study compared the speech-in-noise perception abilities of children with (n=63) and without (n=36) learning disabilities (LD) when either speaking style (conversational vs. clear) or signal-to-noise ratio was varied. Children with LD had poorer overall sentence-in-noise perception. The clear speech condition was sufficient to improve some LD…

Defines learning disabilities and relates them to adult learning theory. Describes their impact on adults as they move through their developmental tasks. Compares biological and psychological models and discusses workplace accommodations, legal compliance, and suggestions for career counselors. Contains 60 references and a list of web resources.…

Observations for 2 years of 34 grade 1 classrooms, in which at least three-fourths of the students were English learners, link specific instructional strategies to reading growth among English learners. Six facets of instruction predicted student growth in reading--in both reading comprehension and reading fluency and accuracy. (Contains 24…

Learning-disabled children often learn to wear masks to protect their self-esteem. Several common types of masks are identified, and an outline is given of the characteristics of learning-disabled children and steps that teachers can take if a learning disability is suspected. (IAH)

This article reviews the efforts made since 1962 to define learning disabilities, discusses 11 prominent definitions, identifies important conceptual elements on which the definitions differ, and calls for a consensual acceptance of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition. (PB)

This article presents a reinterpretation of Gerald Coles's 1987 book "The Learning Mystique," viewing it as making a positive contribution to the learning disabilities field in both practical and theoretical ways, by offering the possibility of different treatment options and expanding the intellectual base for researchers. Potential research…

The article describes the eligibility model developed by the community college system of California for students with learning disabilities. Major activities of the research and development process leading to the eligibility model are detailed including components, procedures, and criteria. The process combines clinical and databased evidence with…

The Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (Revised) is reviewed in regard to its application with learning-disabled (LD) adults. Strengths of the revised test are identified as are concerns about the low representation of LD adults in the normative sample and the complex interpretation process. (DB)

Reviews biological bases of twinning and descriptions of 10 research designs. Summarizes findings from a selected sampling of twin studies of learning disabilities, personality and temperament, attitudes, psychopathology, and social behavior. Discusses findings with special reference to the activities of mental health practitioners and counselors.…

Examined Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) scores of 100 learning-disabled and 60 mildly retarded children retested on 3 separate occasions at 3-year intervals. Different results were obtained depending upon criterion considered. (Author/ABL)

The study investigated the effects of training two learning and behavior disordered elementary students to ignore the inappropriate behavior and to reinforce the appropriate behavior of three peers who were also learning and behavior disordered. Results indicated the students were able to utilize extinction and reinforcement procedures…

This article reports on homework practices of 88 teachers of learning-disabled students. While the findings indicated that respondents were using several quality practices, some problems were noted, especially as regards motivational difficulties. Suggestions for confronting these problems and improving homework procedures are presented.…

This study sought to identify clusters or subtypes of children with learning disabilities (LD, n=24) and brain damage (BD, n=36) using a neuropsychological battery. Five clusters were determined, but no one cluster was composed exclusively of LD or BD subjects. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between clusters were found.…

Comparison of behaviors exhibited by 19 hyperactive and 17 nonhyperactive (learning disordered) children found differences between groups to be more often qualitative than quantitative. Hyperactive students demonstrated more talking, unsystematic search, and motor impersistence while nonhyperactive students demonstrated more upper extremity…

Studies the sequence in development of conservation concepts in 19 language-impaired children aged 6-9 years and 20 children of 3-11 years who had no impairment. The two groups showed a similar sequence of development regardless of delay. Conservation of number appeared first, followed by weight, substance, length, area, and volume. (RJC)