The case of one language-minority child identified as mildly learning disabled is used to illustrate the concept of special education placement and instruction of language-minority children outlined in California's Optimal Learning Environment curriculum guide. A synopsis of the curriculum guide is included. (Author/MSE)

Seventeen bilingual speech and language pathologists submitted assessment reports on 51 limited-English-proficiency students and 44 Anglo students with suspected language disorders. Analysis indicated that a heavy diagnostic emphasis continues to be placed on results of discrete-point tests. A protocol to assess limited-English-speaking students…

This paper offers a critical examination of common misconceptions concerning college students with learning disabilities (LD), including, among others: LD college students are older versions of high school LD students, college entrance data can accurately predict LD student success, and LD students disclose their handicaps to institutions of…

The study examined student records to evaluate the mathematical performance of 220 children from 8 through 17 years of age diagnosed as having learning disabilities. Developmental patterns were identified and implications for instruction including specially designed instruction stressing problem solving were drawn. (Author/DB)

The study found that college students with learning disabilities (LD) were as able as nondisabled students to use story grammar and comparison text structure to aid recall of social studies text passages. However, LD students scored significantly lower on use of causation text structure. Results suggest that use of comparison structures precede…

Learning-disabled junior-high students (N=27) were taught four chapters of U.S. history using either mnemonic instruction or more traditional, textbook based instruction. Students learned substantially more content when instructed mnemonically, on individual chapter tests as well as on the cumulative recall test. Students and teachers both…

Discussion of artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems focuses on their use in education. Characteristics of good expert systems are explained; computer software programs that contain applications of AI are described, highlighting one used to help educators identify learning-disabled students; and the future of AI is discussed. (LRW)

Argues that sensory screening does not identify children at risk for reading or learning disability, and that sensory training does not improve reading or learning. (RAE)

Learning disabled (LD) adults eligible for vocational rehabilitation were compared with LD high school seniors. Differences between the two groups included a significantly greater percentage of Whites in the adult group and more self-reported problems in such areas as daily living skills and vocational adjustment by the adults. (Author/DB)

The study assessed the utility of different factor structures of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised in differentiating Israeli male students (ages 6-16) with learning disability from children with emotional disturbance. Based on several comparisons the results indicated that only the modified A.S. Kaufman's factor structure…

Four successful Connecticut projects which nurtured the special abilities of gifted learning-disabled children are summarized. Case studies illustrate components of the programs crucial to their success. These components include development of alternate modes for thinking and communicating; unique identification strategies; highly motivating…

This response to a paper by Linda Siegel (EC221505) discusses research on the relationship between social skills and Intelligence Quotient or academic performance. The research indicates that it is erroneous to assume that Intelligence Quotient or academic achievement account for the social problems of children with learning disabilities. (JDD)

This commentary re-examines Linda Siegel's four basic assumptions (in EC221505) inherent in the Intelligence Quotient-achievement discrepancy commonly used to define learning disability. The commentary also discusses the uses of alternative measures of intelligence and the role of Intelligence Quotient in the identification of learning-disabled…

These concluding comments on the series of articles introduced by Linda Siegel's paper (EC221505) summarize the bases for disputing the utility of intelligence tests. The learning disabilities field's resistance to abandoning use of Intelligence Quotient tests is also acknowledged, and improved assessment measures and further research are called…

A study of 373 students with suspected learning disabilities found that different measures for calculating discrepancies between aptitude and achievement and for measuring achievement resulted in relatively little agreement on appropriate classification. A second study, using computer-simulated data, provided a framework for generalizations to a…