A total of 12 kindergarten children participated in a study to determine whether children with auditory learning disability would achieve significantly better scores in reading when taught by the sight method as compared with the phonetic method of instruction and whether such children would exhibit significantly better self-concepts when placed…

A critical review of the literature dealing with quantification of achievement-aptitude differences for identifying learning disabled (LD) readers revealed that methods developed to date suffer from grave inadequacies. Among the methods considered were those of the following individuals: G. Bond and M. Tinker, M. Monroe, A. Harris and E. Sipay, H.…

Four groups of educational decision makers rated the influence of nine pieces of information on the decsions they made about the educational placement of a handicapped elementary class child. Information regarding the sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and physical attractiveness of the student had an insignificant effect on decisions. Information…

The controversy over minimum competency assessment has special implications for the handicapped, since federal law requires that handicapped students must be afforded equal educational opportunities. Problems will arise in establishing criteria of competence and in administering minimum competency programs for students with learning disabilities.…

Thirty-five children with reading problems received lessons by mail for 6 weeks in the summer. Lessons included illustrations and pictures and provided tokens for motivation. Significant differences were found in pre- and posttest gains in reading achievement between Ss and a control group. Subsequent studies demonstrated further value of…

Eleven types of learning disabilities are listed along with observable classroom behavior and group and individual teaching techniques for each type of disability. Among disability types considered are visual-motor channel disability, auditory decoding process disability, auditory vocal automatic disability, and visual motor sequencing. (CL)

A time series procedure, the Shewart Technique, was used in an educational setting with eight academically deficient students to increase the percent of assignments completed. Ss were given mediation training and behavior contracts. The Shewart Technique was found to be useful in providing a formative analysis for intervention. (Tables and graphs…

Intended for parents and teachers, the booklet describes the symptoms and need for early identification of learning disabilities. Sections address the definition of learning disabilities, characteristics, incidence, etiology, diagnosis, medication, education, counseling--therapy, and sources of information. Offered are tips for both parents (such…

The relationship between academic performance and cognitive tempo as measured by the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF) was investigated in 66 learning disabled children (ages 7 to 12 years). Results of a simple correlation analysis indicated the test to be a sensitive predictor of achievement; however, this relationship was substantially…

Two studies explore the late outcome of minimal brain dysfunction in 73 patients in relation to their initial presentation and predictive factors. Both studies followed the patients for a period of 10 to 20 years. Findings from the first study of initial presentation in relation to adult outcome showed that there was a strong positive correlation…

Four new approaches to remedial reading directed toward the stimulation of defective perceptual areas by procedures other than teaching reading skills are reviewed. The Delacato approach emphasizes the development of neurological organization and laterality. It may be useful for a small percentage of children with severe reading disabilities, but…

In 1959 the New Jersey State Legislature enacted a law establishing the position of learning disabilities specialist (LDS) in order to provide services to aid the classroom teacher's work with pupils who have handicaps or learning disabilities. The innovation of new instructional methods, the adaptation of new educational materials, and the…

Sixteen directors of exceptional education programs, 10 supervisors of specific learning disability (SLD) programs, and 101 principals having SLD classes responded to a 14-question survey regarding the identification and placement of SLD students in Florida. Among findings were that principals were the most outspoken in what they considered…

The paper outlines the program of services provided by a multidisciplinary professional team for the neurologically disordered child from preschool to young adulthood. Noted among the services offered are the following: an infant stimulation program, preschool prep program, group sensory integration program, special educational assistance, summer…

Rational, defensible guidelines for use in identifying learning disabled children would assist in determining the most efficient use of diagnostic expertise, in specifying learning disabled populations for research purposes, and in assuring equity in the provision of diagnostic and remedial services. One commonly accepted symptom of learning…