Responds to an earlier article that introduced the concept of foreign language reading anxiety and reported the results of a preliminary study of reading anxiety. Argues that the explanations for the study findings are misguided. (Author/VWL)

A longitudinal study of 28 mildly preterm children and 20 full-term comparison children found 75% of preterm children had a learning disability, attention deficit disorder (ADD), language impairment, mild neurologic impairment, or general school problems by grade 5. Evidence of differences in attention deployment at ages 13 and 15 months for ADD…

In the present study, a group of children with ADHD performed significantly below prediction in reading, writing, and mathematics skills and demonstrated a greater discrepancy between actual and predicted achievement than did a group of non-ADHD children. Results indicate that the more severe the behavioral symptomatology of children with ADHD is,…

The validity of the School Function Assessment was tested with 29 children with disabilities, 18 with learning disabilities; and 17 with cerebral palsy. Discriminant analysis showed the instrument correctly classified a high percentage and should be considered a valid instrument for use in school settings. (Contains 31 references.) (JOW)

A study examined the causal attributions of 36 eighth-grade boys with learning disabilities (LD) for their feelings of loneliness compared to those of 34 typical boys. Students with LD experienced significantly higher levels of loneliness, perceived different causal attribution for their feelings, and had higher expectations of future loneliness.…

This position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities identifies 19 professional development principles presented in terms of the professional development context, process, and content. Principles are in agreement with standards developed by the National Staff Development Council. The paper urges staff development that is…

Article reviews instructional developments for specific learning difficulties, drawing together areas of cognitive research, applied practice, and trends in literacy in the United Kingdom. Findings suggest teaching of phonological awareness has become an integral part of general teaching, and that the gap between specific and general has narrowed.…

Provides fundamental information on learning disabilities relevant to programs preparing students for print media careers. Discusses learning disabilities specific to written expression. Examines legal issues and offers an overview of the types of appropriate accommodations that may be made in the classroom, including assistive technology and…

First this article reviews the research pertaining to treatment efficacy of sensory integration therapy for children with language-learning disorders and academic difficulties. Second, it considers the perspectives from which various researchers and clinicians view language disorders and third, it discusses parameters for evaluating efficacy…

Parents of 16 children (ages 10 to 14) with learning disabilities were interviewed about their perceptions of the quality of friendship of their children. Mothers sometimes disagreed that child-nominated friends were truly friends and often attributed their children's problems with friendships to social immaturity or social-skills deficits.…

An action research project based on the concepts of scaffolding, situated learning, and the zone of proximal development explored ways to embed basic skills development in everyday situations for people with learning difficulties. The underlying assumption was that people learn most effectively in situations meaningful to them. (SK)

Reviews the status of adults with learning disabilities. Outlines five components of self-determination that should be integrated into adult literacy programs: (1) know and value oneself; (2) plan; (3) be proactive; (4) experience outcomes and learn; and (5) find a supportive environment. Stresses the need for staff development and learner…

Examines two samples of students classified as learning disabled (LD) for evidence of the phenomenon known as the Flynn effect (FE). Results indicate that the FE does affect Wechsler IQ and component scores of students classified as LD. Suggests that LD classification may be substantially impacted by the FE over the life of an IQ test version.…

Investigated effects of video technology as a tool for facilitating vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension skills of fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders with learning disabilities. Video instruction group students were taught word meanings and concepts in videodisc-based contexts; nonvideo group students were taught using printed texts.…

Reports on studies of students with severe learning difficulties and shows that they could, under appropriate conditions, display impressive concentration and curiosity, and often appeared to achieve valuable learning. Describes some of the dilemmas that may arise in developing these kinds of activities for special education. (Contains 35…