Compares performance and verbal IQ scores of 38 normal and 34 specifically language-delayed children ages 5 to 8 1/2 years. Results do not support the hypothesis that language delay in children is related to a nonverbal cognitive deficit. (Author/RH)

The syntactic proficiency of 67 learning disabled children was evaluated during a task requiring them to convey information to a listener. Learning disabled children in all grades were found to produce shorter mean main clauses than nondisabled children even on this relatively simple communicative task. (Author/SEW)

To examine individual differences among 20 elementary grade learning disabled poor readers in use of contextual cuing to aid word identification, words were presented in both connected text and in isolation. Group statistical analysis found a significant effect favoring context over isolation, although individual analysis favored isolation for…

Results of a study involving five learning disabled elementary students with deficient oral reading skills indicated that increased oral reading rates were related to systematic correction procedures, and that the word-supply procedure was relatively superior to the phonic analysis method. (Author/CL)

Teachers can help learning and behavior disordered students in middle and secondary grades develop self control through a strategy in which students are taught to stop, look, listen, and think before carrying out a task. The final step is to reinforce themselves. (CL)

Discussed are the different ways the term "brain dysfunction" was interpreted and advocated by special educators, parents, persons concerned with social problems, and other groups urging that the condition be recognized through federal legislation. (Author/RM)

The author proposes two theoretical constructs from cognitive psychology planning and limited central processing to aid understanding of the complexity and inefficiences in study performance of learning disabled (LD) children due to memory problems. Applies the constructs to memory development and instruction and provides recommendations for…

In Sunnyvale, California (the computer industry's "Silicon Valley") two teachers of elementary learning disabled (LD) students took a course in microcomputers, acquired three microcomputers with a grant, and trained the students to use computer-assisted instruction, with such results as that in one year, 37 LD students tutored 100 primary…

The article posits that emotionally disturbed (ED) children routinely are diagnosed as learning disabled (LD), a situation deriving from diagnostic problems and inadequacies of definitions. Among suggestions made for special educators are knowing ED and LD definitions, and becoming assertive as evaluation team members. (MC)

Three training methods differing in degree of abstraction (demonstration, slide-diagram, and diagram) were used to instruct adolescents (26 control and 21 aphasic) in the completion of two tasks. Results indicated that aphasics have a deficit of abstract thinking which can prove a handicap in training situations. Ten sources are cited. (EJS)

Investigation into research on diagnosis of learning disability indicates that the existence of this "disorder" is questionable. Diagnosing a child as learning disabled benefits mainly the school and the child's teachers. The educational system is thus given a mythical scapegoat for its failure to educate a segment of the school population.…

It was concluded that children who are exposed to varying and unpredictable auditory distractions in their classroom environments are better able to perform on a task requiring auditory vigilance skills in the presence of distracting background noise. (Author/SW)

In a survey of the 106 California Community Colleges, it was found that over 75 percent operated formal programs for the learning-disabled (LD), while an additional 12 percent provided informal services for their LD student population. Though diversity existed among the college LD programs surveyed, a consistency of process and practice was…

Data from reports of the federally funded Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs) are said to show that only three CSDCs adhered to all criteria in the federal definition of learning disabilities. The author suggests that LD should be adopted as a generic term for all mild handicaps. (CL)

The authors suggest that the confusion and controversy over definitions of learning disabilities have been unproductive. They review findings on the assessment decision making process and emphasize the need for a new perspective on assessment and intervention. (CL)