bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Learning Disabilities Be Determined From Working Memory Performance?
Authors: Lee Swanson H. , Cochran Kathryn F. , Ewers Cynthia A.
Published: December 2008

This study assumes that children of various academic abilities may be characterized by different patterns of memory function. To test this assumption, subgroups of children were identified through a hierarchical cluster analysis based upon a test battery of sentence span, preload, and concurrent memory demand tasks. One subtype presented a profile of children with learning disabilities showing severe memory performance deficits, while another subgroup yielded high memory and high academic performance. Four additional subtypes had variations in memory performance, which in turn reflected variations in external criteria related to reading, mathematics, and spelling performance. For each subtype, performance strengths and weaknesses were characterized within Baddeley's (1986) working memory model. The study provides partial validation for the classification of children with learning disabilities on psychometric measures according to patterns of memory performance.
Teaching Abstract Vocabulary with the Keyword Method:
Authors: Mastropieri Margo A. , Scruggs Thomas E. , Mushinski Fulk Barbara J.
Published: December 2008

Twenty-five adolescents with learning disabilities were randomly assigned to either a keyword mnemonic condition or an experimenter-directed rehearsal condition and were individually taught 16 difficult vocabulary words, including 8 concrete and 8 abstract words. After an instructional period, students were given a test of literal recall as well as a comprehension test of their ability to apply newly acquired vocabulary words in a different context. Results indicated that mnemonically trained students outperformed control students on both abstract and concrete words, and on recall tests as well as on comprehension tests. Implications for vocabulary instruction as well as theories of learning disabilities are discussed.
A Comparison of Children With and Without Learning Disabilities on Social Problem-Solving Skill, School Behavior, and Family Background
Authors: Toro Paul A. , Weissberg Roger P. , Guare John , Liebenstein Nancy L.
Published: December 2008

The study compared 86 children with learning disabilities (LD) with 86 matched children without learning disabilities (NLD) on three domains of variables: social problem-solving skill, teacher-rated school behavior and competence, and family background. The children with LD and the NLD group differed on variables in all three domains. More specifically, the children with LD were able to generate fewer alternatives for solving social problem situations, showed less tolerance for frustration and less adaptive assertiveness, and had more overall classroom behavior problems and less personal and social competence in a variety of areas as rated by teachers. Children having LD also showed more family background difficulties (e.g., lack of educational stimulation at home, economic difficulties). The findings suggest the need for greater attention to social and behavioral remediation for children with LD and greater involvement of their families, in addition to the cognitive and academic remediation emphasized in existing curricula for children with LD.
The General Education Initiative and Children with Special Needs
Authors: Carnine Douglas W. , Kameenui Edward J.
Published: December 2008

Editor's Comment: One of our editorial policies is to provide a forum for discussion on various key issues in our field. This is important because there are many different vantage points to some issues. The Forum section of the journal allows individuals to reflect on these matters from their own viewpoints. In the first article, Drs. Douglas W. Carnine and Edward J. Kameenui continue the discussion on the General Education Initiative. (See the January 1988 and January 1989 issues for past discussions on this topic.) In the second article, Dr. Robert-Jay Green responds to Dr. Gerald Cole's theory of interactivity that appeared in the May 1989 issue of this journal.---JLW
Fetal Drug Exposure and Its Possible Implications for Learning in the Preschool and School-Age Population
Authors: Van Dyke Don C. , Fox Alison A.
Published: December 2008

For the past 5 years there has been an exponential increase in the use of cocaine, phenylcyclidine hydrochloride (PCP), and other central nervous system (CNS) active drugs. A significant amount of this accelerated usage is in sexually active females, resulting in some urban hospitals reporting positive drug screens in over 16% of the infants born on their busy obstetrical service. There is a growing body of data showing that fetal exposure to cocaine, phenylcyclidine hydrochloride (PCP), and other CNS-active drugs results in infants and children with abnormal brain wave patterns, short-term neurologic signs, depression of interactive behavior, and poor organizational responses to environmental stimuli. Whether such neurologic findings will translate into a significant number of children with learning and behavioral problems needs to be the focus of long-term longitudinal studies of children with fetal drug exposure to cocaine, PCP, and other CNS-active drugs.
Motivational Readiness and the Participation of Children with Learning and Behavior Problems in Psychoeducational Decision Making
Authors: Adelman Howard S. , MacDonald Virginia M. , Nelson Perry , Smith Douglas C. , Taylor Linda
Published: December 2008

Efficacy of a brief cognitive-affective intervention to enhance motivational readiness for participating in a psychoeducational decision-making conference was explored. Although outcomes specific to the preconference intervention were not found, findings of relevance to the hypothesized positive relationship between motivational readiness and actual participation in decision making are reported. The positive and negative findings are discussed in terms of implications for enhancing motivational readiness and for understanding the limited impact of skill training to improve participation and decision making.
Detecting Health Fraud In the Field of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Worrall Russell S.
Published: December 2008

Quackery is currently a widespread problem that pervades all aspects of healthcare, including the treatment of learning disorders. A discussion of the nature of modern health fraud in special education is presented. The psychopathology of health fraud, the standards by which pseudoscience and health quackery are defined, and the complexities of learning disorders are discussed. A Therapy Rating Scale to determine if an alternative therapy is reasonable is presented. Several popular therapies are used as examples.
Employment Outcomes and Social Integration of Students with Mild Handicaps
Authors: Scuccimarra David J. , Speece Deborah L.
Published: December 2008

The employment outcomes and social adjustment of mildly handicapped students were examined in a sample of 65 randomly selected youths who exited high school in 1984. Personal and telephone interviews were conducted to obtain current employment data such as income, employment and training history, and use of community and social services in securing employment. Postschool social adjustment data included marital status, place of residence, types and frequency of social activities, friendship patterns, and satisfaction with social life. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents were employed. The majority worked on a full-time basis for minimum wage or better, were satisfied with their jobs, and relied on a self-family-friend network to secure employment. The majority of respondents were single, resided at home, and engaged in a variety of social activities on a regular basis. When the employment and social activity variables were combined, it was found that over 60% of the respondents were employed and held positive perceptions of their social life.
An Approach to Assessing and acilitating Causal Language in Adults with Learning Disabilities Based on Piagetian Theory
Authors: Moses Nelson , Klein Harriet B. , Altman Elaine
Published: December 2008

Salient characteristics associated with Piagetian cognitive stages served as the basis for developing a linguistic taxonomy of causal semantic relations. Causal statements from adults with learning disabilities and normally achieving adults were analyzed and organized within this taxonomy. A relationship between Piagetian cognitive stages and verbal expressions of causality was identified. Based on this relationship, principles of Piagetian cognitive theory were used to design assessment and intervention plans for adults with learning disabilities.
Perception of Gated, Highly Familiar Spoken Monosyllabic Nouns by Children With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Elliott Lois L. , Scholl Margo E. , Grant James O. , Hammer Michael A.
Published: December 2008

A forward-gating procedure employing highly familiar monosyllabic words was used in auditory testing of age- and gender-matched children with learning disabilities and normally achieving children aged 8 to 11 years. The portion of the word presented, or “gate,” was longer on each successive trial. Nondisabled children identified an average of one more word than the children with learning disabilities, but the mean duration required for word identification did not differ between groups. Better receptive vocabulary scores were associated with identification of words at shorter durations only among the children with learning disabilities. The two groups of children had similar numbers of different meaningful-word and different non-word incorrect responses. The children with learning disabilities exhibited poorer fine-grained auditory discrimination than a control group of nondisabled children. The study concluded that auditory closure skills for the gating task were as good among children with learning disabilities as among nondisabled children, but that sensory discrimination problems may contribute significantly to the learning difficulties of the former group.
An Examination of the Reading Performance of Students with Mild Educational Handicaps or Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cawley John F. , Miller James H. , Carr Sonya C.
Published: December 2008

Reading performance is a primary concern in both regular and special education. Reading is also the dominant medium through which educators conduct lessons, or students acquire information in subjects such as science and mathematics. Reading performance can be measured in a variety of ways. The present study examined the performance of students with mild educational handicaps (n = 28) or learning disabilities (n = 38) on a combination of norm-referenced and curriculum-based assessment (CBA) approaches that used science content. Overall, there were no significant differences between the samples on measures of word recognition, but significant differences favoring students with learning disabilities did occur in comprehension.
The Effect of Task Alternatives on Vocabulary Knowledge: A Comparison of Students With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Simmons Deborah C. , Kameenui Edward J.
Published: December 2008

This study used a two-part task format to (a) describe the vocabulary knowledge of 10- and 12-year-old students with learning disabilities and (b) assess the effect of task alternatives on their vocabulary knowledge. We addressed these research objectives by comparing the performance of 24 students with learning disabilities to an equal number of their normally achieving peers. Vocabulary knowledge was first assessed through a production task. In the even the student's response was inaccurate or incomplete, an identification task assessing the same vocabulary term was presented. Results revealed that, compared to normally achieving students, students with learning disabilities are (a) significantly less able to construct fully specified responses to production tasks, (b) comparable in their ability to use pictorial responses to demonstrate vocabulary knowledge not accessible in production tasks, and, (c) when equated in reading achievement, only 10-year-olds are significantly poorer in composite vocabulary knowledge.
Classroom Behavior of Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bender William N. , Smith Jeffrey K.
Published: December 2008

Meta-analysis was used to review the results of 25 studies that compared the classroom behavior of children and adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) to children without learning disabilities. The data were analyzed from several different methodological perspectives. Results showed that both methodologically strong and weak studies demonstrated significant behavioral deficits of children with learning disabilities compared to their nondisabled peers in each of five overall areas: on-task behavior, off-task behavior, conduct disorders, distractibility, and shy/withdrawn behavior. Both observational and teacher rating data demonstrated these differences. Effect sizes for both groups of studies seemed to cluster around 1 standard deviation, suggesting noticeable and educationally significant impairment in the behavior of children with disabilities. Analysis of grade-level effect sizes suggests some explanation for the large number of referrals often witnessed during the elementary school years. Educational implications of these behavioral differences in terms of implications for mainstreaming are discussed.
An Outcome Study of an Early Intervention for Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Rothenberg Julia Johnson
Published: December 2008

Subjects at risk for specific learning disabilities were assessed on standardized measures throughout elementary and middle school following an intervention based on task analysis of kindergarten curricula and team teaching. All results were significant for the treatment group in relation to an at-risk cohort and comparable to a current random cohort and national averages.
Story Grammar
Authors: Gurney Dana , Gersten Russell , Dimino Joseph , Carnine Douglas
Published: December 2008

This study examined the effectiveness of an instructional strategy for teaching comprehension of literature to 8 high school students with learning disabilities. The strategy integrated recent advances in cognitive psychology with empirically derived principles of effective instruction. The texts included short stories from middle school and high school literature anthologies. A modified multiple baseline design was utilized. Results indicated improvements in the students' ability to answer questions based on the stories read.
Differences in Transitional Needs of High School Students With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Dowdy Carol A. , Carter Jade K. , Smith Tom E.C.
Published: December 2008

Studies investigating the post-high-school vocational status of individuals with disabilities have frequently found that these individuals are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, or employed part-time, when compared to nondisabled peers. Transition programs are needed for adolescents with disabilities to facilitate their vocational success. The current study surveyed 80 high school students with learning disabilities (LD) and 80 nondisabled (NLD) peers to determine their transitional needs. Results indicated that (a) more students with LD than NLD students are involved in transition programs; (b) career goals were established by the majority of both groups; (c) parents provided most of the assistance in making career decisions; and (d) twice as many NLD students as students with LD wanted to go to college, while twice as many students with LD as NLD students wanted to enter the job market. More students with LD than NLD students were aware of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, but the number was still below 50%. The majority of the information about VR services came from the school.
Social Validation of Psychoeducational Assessment Reports
Authors: Cornwall Anne
Published: December 2008

The present study obtained written feedback concerning psychoeducational reports about youngsters referred to a pediatric hospital for known or suspected learning difficulties. A total of 269 questionnaires, with reference to 80 reports, were sent to parents and professionals. The results indicated that the reports were rated favorably in terms of understandability, explanatory value, and usefulness. There was a trend for parents and physicians to rate the report as less understandable than did school professionals. Parents rated the recommendations as more useful and reported implementing more of the recommendations than did teachers. These results are discussed with reference to service delivery.
Social Effects of Integrated Classrooms and Resource Room/Regular Class Placements on Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Madge Sally , Affleck James , Lowenbraun Sheila
Published: December 2008

The social status of elementary students with learning disabilities (LD) served by the Integrated Classroom Model (ICM) was compared to the social status of elementary students with learning disabilities served in a regular class with resource room support. The ICM serves elementary special education and non-special-education students (1:2) together as one class. The comparison group was composed of students with learning disabilities who received special education services outside of their regular classroom for a portion of their school day. Social status was determined by assessing interpersonal relationships among students, using a peer rating method. The results of analyses of various dimensions suggest that while special education students in both programs have significantly lower social status on average than their non-special-education peers, the children in the ICM have a better opportunity to blend successfully into the classroom than the children who go out to a resource room.
Psychological Adjustment and Family Functioning of Boys with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Michaels Carolyn R. , Lewandowski Lawrence J.
Published: December 2008

This study examined parent reports of behavioral and family functioning for 59 boys with learning disabilities (LD) and 65 nondisabled boys (NLD) of ages 6 to 12 years. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III). Boys with LD were reported as having significantly more behavior problems of both the Internalizing and Externalizing types than NLD boys. Individual scales yielded group differences indicating higher scores (more problems) for the group with LD on the Hyperactive, Schizoid or Anxious, Depressed, and Obsessive Compulsive scales, but no differences on the Aggressive or Social Withdrawal scales. Furthermore, families of boys with LD tended to score more frequently in the extreme (disturbed) range of family functioning. However, boys of families in the extreme range did not have more behavior problems than the boys of other families. The findings suggest that a greater than average proportion of boys with LD are at risk for developing psychological adjustment problems.
LD Status and Achievement
Authors: La Greca Annette M. , Stone Wendy L.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of achievement in explaining the poor social and behavioral functioning associated with LD status, and to evaluate potential gender differences in patterns of interpersonal functioning among youth with learning disabilities (LD) and nondisabled (NLD) youth. Thirty-two students with learning disabilities (21 boys, 11 girls) were matched with same-sex, same-race classmates whose reading achievement was low (LA) or average (AA), and these groups were compared on peer ratings of liking and disliking, perceptions of self-worth and social acceptance, and teacher ratings of conduct problems, anxiety-withdrawal, and attention problems. Students with learning disabilities were less accepted and less well-liked than children in the LA or AA groups and also perceived their self-worth and social acceptance to be lower than LA or AA students. Group by Sex interactions were apparent for several of the peer rating and behavioral variables, indicating that different patterns of social and behavioral functioning distinguished LD boys and LD girls from their NLD peers. The findings highlight the potential role of low achievement in peers' dislike of LD girls and suggest the importance of investigating well-defined subgroups of youth with LD in future research.
Intrinsic Motivation and School Misbehavior
Authors: Adelman Howard S. , Taylor Linda
Published: December 2008

The intrinsic motivational concepts of self-determination, competence, and relatedness to others are highlighted to underscore their value in identifying motivational underpinnings for deviant and devious behavior. These constructs are woven into a working schema to differentiate intentional misbehavior in terms of whether it is reactive or proactive. Finally, from the perspective of such motivational thinking, implications for formal intervention research and experimental practice are illustrated.
Learning Disabilities in Alcohol-Dependent Adults
Authors: Rhodes Sharyn S. , Jasinski Donald R.
Published: December 2008

To determine if neuropsychological deficits, known to precede alcohol use in those genetically predisposed to alcoholism, were present in an alcoholic population, 25 male alcoholics (mean age 41.1) were interviewed concerning alcohol usage, educational difficulties in elementary school, and family history of alcoholism. Using a regression table, discrepancies between current IQ on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) (Wechsler, 1981) and achievement on the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (WJB) (Woodcock & Johnson, 1977) were calculated to determine present learning status. Forty percent of the alcoholics were found to have had special education, remedial services, or repeated grade failure concurrent with a familial history of alcoholism and current discrepancies indicative of learning disability. There were no significant differences on intelligence, years of drinking, or mean grades completed in school between this group and the rest of the subjects who did not receive services in school. Conclusions were that childhood learning disorders may be related to the development of alcoholism, particularly when alcoholism is in the family, and that special educators have a role to play in the prevention and treatment of alcoholism.
Explaining Speech Production Deficits in Poor Readers
Authors: Kamhi Alan G. , Catts Hugh W. , Mauer Daria
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to further examine speech production abilities of young poor readers. Fourteen poor readers and 14 age-matched nondisabled subjects were taught to produce four novel, multisyllabic nonsense words. A recognition task was part of the training procedure. Retention of the words was also probed. The poor readers took significantly longer than the nondisabled children to produce three of the four words. The recognition data indicated that encoding limitations, rather than speech production limitations, were primarily responsible for the longer acquisition times. Speech production deficiencies seemed to account for only a small portion of the difficulty the poor readers experienced learning the novel words. The data are consistent with previous research that has documented encoding limitations in poor readers.
Validity of the Diagnostic Category of Attention Deficit Disorder Without Hyperactivity
Authors: Lahey Benjamin B. , Carlson Caryn L.
Published: December 2008

The validity of the diagnostic category of Attention Deficit Disorder Without Hyperactivity (ADD/WO) has been the subject of debate since it was first introduced in DSM-III. The differentiation of two syndromes of ADD is supported by factor analytic studies that indicate two dimensions of maladjustment: (1) inattention and disorganization, and (2) motor hyperactivity and impulsive responding. Cluster analyses of these two dimensions have yielded two profiles of deviance that correspond to the DSM-III subtypes. Furthermore, clinic-referred children who meet DSM-III criteria for ADD/WO have been shown to exhibit less serious conduct problems, are less impulsive, are more likely to be characterized as sluggish and drowsy, are less rejected by peers but more socially withdrawn, and are more likely to exhibit depressed mood and symptoms of anxiety disorder than children with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADD/H).
Dyslexia
Authors: Rogers Trumbull
Published: December 2008

One of our editorial policies is to provide a forum for discussion on various key issues in our field. This is important because there are many different vantage points to some issues. The Forum section of the journal allows individuals to reflect on these matters from their own viewpoints. In the following article, Trumbull Rogers reflects on his experiences with dyslexia.—JLW
Corpus Callosum Morphology in Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder: Morphometric Analysis of MRI
Authors: Hynd George W. , Semrud-Clikeman Margaret , Lorys Alison R. , Novey Edward S. , Eliopulos Deborah , Lyytinen Heikki
Published: December 2008

Although behavioral evidence provides support for the notion that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to central nervous system dysfunction, there is little direct evidence to reveal which neurometabolic systems or brain structures are involved. Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggest that, compared to nondisabled controls, ADHD children may have a smaller right frontal region. Morphometric analysis of MRI scans was used in this exploratory study to determine whether correlated regional variation might exist in the corpus callosum of children with ADHD. While all MRI scans were judged to be clinically normal, morphometric analysis revealed that, compared to nondisabled controls, ADHD children had a smaller corpus callosum, particularly in the region of the genu and splenium, and in the area just anterior to the splenium. Interhemispheric fibers in these regions interconnect the left and right frontal, occipital, parietal, and posterior temporal regions. These results suggest that subtle differences may exist in the brains of children with ADHD and that deviations in normal corticogenesis may underlie the behavioral manifestations of this disorder.
Pragmatic Language Skills of Students with Language and/or Learning Disabilities: A Quantitative Synthesis
Authors: Lapadat Judith C.
Published: December 2008

A meta-analytic review of 33 studies investigating the pragmatic language skills of 3- to 12-year-old students with language disorders, language-learning disabilities, or learning disabilities as compared with the pragmatic language skills of nondisabled peers was conducted. The students with language and/or learning disabilities demonstrated consistent and pervasive pragmatic deficits in conversation compared to non-disordered peers (mean effect size = -0.52; SE=0.06) across settings, conversational partners, age groups, and types of pragmatic skills measured. The pragmatic differences between the students with language or learning disabilities and control groups could not be accounted for by differences in study methodology or design. Furthermore, these pragmatic deficits appeared to be more attributable to underlying language deficits than to insufficient social knowledge. These findings are consistent with the perspective that students with learning disabilities can also be described as language disordered, and that children with language disorders experience a continuum of language failure that may be manifested in different ways as they progress through school.
Variables Related to the Type of Postsecondary Education Experience Chosen by Young Adults with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Miller Robert J. , Rzonca Chet , Snider Bill
Published: December 2008

This article examines selected variables related to the type of postsecondary education experience chosen by young adults with learning disabilities (N=225). A oneway analysis of variance was utilized to identify significant differences between groups participating in alternative postsecondary education experiences. Variables related to use of community resources, community mobility, participation in vocational education while in high school, autonomy, peer influence, and gender were found to be significant factors that differentiate among groups. Recommendations for further research are discussed.
Cognitive Training in ADHD Children: Less to It Than Meets the Eye
Authors: Abikoff Howard
Published: December 2008

This article reviews cognitive training studies that have been carried out with children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during the past decade. The efficacy of cognitive training as a single intervention and as an adjunct to stimulant treatment is discussed. The impact of training on the cognitive, academic, and behavioral functioning of youngsters with ADHD is summarized. Although this treatment modality is inherently appealing, there is little empirical support for its clinical utility with children with hyperactivity.
Effects of Stimulant Medication on Learning in Children with ADHD
Authors: Swanson James M. , Cantwell Dennis , Lerner Marc , McBurnett Keith , Hanna Greg
Published: December 2008

It is well established that stimulant medication improves classroom manageability and attention in terms of time on task, but does stimulant medication improve learning or long-term academic achievement in children with ADHD? There is no clear evidence that it does, but there are at least two reasons why beneficial effects may be obscured in research studies and clinical practice: (1) Higher-than-optimal doses may be prescribed if behavioral response (rather than cognitive response) is used to titrate the dose, and (2) treatment may be overinclusive if diagnostic groups are targeted in which a significant proportion of cases do not have favorable cognitive responses to medication. This article addresses these two issues and describes a large clinical series of patients who were evaluated using a double-blind medication assessment protocol designed to overcome some of the theoretical deficiencies suggested by these issues.
Social Impact of Stimulant Treatment for Hyperactive Children
Authors: Whalen Carol K. , Henker Barbara
Published: December 2008

Most children diagnosed with ADHD have extensive and enduring problems in the social arena. Despite its limitations, the standard stimulant treatment regimen for children with ADHD is a useful therapeutic modality as well as an heuristic tool for increasing our understanding of both optimal and problematic interpersonal functioning. This article explores the social impact of stimulant treatment, delineating documented improvements, identifying elusive domains and puzzling patterns, and highlighting unintended and potentially undesirable outcomes. Medication-related changes in the behaviors and perceptions of the diagnosed child's adult caretakers are distinguished from those observed in peers, and the need to enhance our understanding of peer cultures is underscored. We present new findings on the effects of stimulant treatment on social cognition and affect, and then discuss the critical need to map the attributional sequelae of any treatment approach. The final sections explore contemporary controversies and improved strategies for balancing the costs, risks, and benefits of stimulant treatment in the service of enhancing interpersonal competence, satisfaction, and harmony.
Procedural Knowledge in Mathematics: The Role of the Curriculum
Authors: Woodward John
Published: December 2008

Over the last few years, the information processing model of cognition has become increasingly prominent in the field. With this model, and other related research in cognitive science, there is a greater appreciation for the role of instruction in learning theory. One of the model's central tenets is that, as learners become more competent, they move from declarative to procedural states of knowledge. Researchers have concerned themselves with the efficiency of this transition, as well as with any systematic misconceptions that develop along the way. A carefully developed curriculum addresses both of these concerns. This article will focus on three principles of curriculum development: the nature of examples, explicitness, and parsimony. Recently conducted research that supports these principles will also be discussed. It is suggested that special educators strongly consider these principles when selecting or developing curricular material for students with learning disabilities.
Development of a School Building Model for Educating Students with Handicaps and At-Risk Students in General Education Classrooms
Authors: Jenkins Joseph R. , Jewell Mark , Leicester Norma , Jenkins Linda , Troutner Nina M.
Published: December 2008

This study, conducted in the context of a 4-year project to redesign special and remedial services in an elementary school, examined the effects of cooperative learning, cross-age tutoring, and in-class services for students with handicaps and remedial students. All students (524) in Grades 1 through 6 in two medium-sized elementary schools took part in the study. All three treatments were introduced into one of the schools, with the second school serving as a control. The cooperative learning treatment was delivered to all sixth-grade students, cross-age tutoring to special and remedial students in Grades 1 through 3, and the in-class services to all grade levels. Results indicated that, although the character of the instructional services changed markedly, none of the three treatments had much impact on achievement. Reasons for the findings are explored.
The Fundamental Skills of Higher Order Thinking
Authors: Grossen Bonnie
Published: December 2008

It may be possible to teach reasoning strategies to subjects with poor reasoning, including many subjects with learning disabilities (LD), using curriculum designed around a sameness analysis. The higher order thinking skills of analogical and logical reasoning are defined using the sameness analysis methodology. The sameness in the strategy for forming a generalization from experience is called “reasoning by analogy,” while the sameness in the strategy for applying generalizations is described by the syllogism (logical reasoning). The research base for effective instruction in analogical and logical reasoning, particularly with subjects with LD, is summarized. The wide applicability of reasoning by analogy and by syllogism as complementary strategies is illustrated through their use in a critical review of the editorial page of a daily newspaper, and in linking content material in several domains.
Preschool Literacy Experience and Later Reading Achievement
Authors: Scarborough Hollis S. , Dobrich Wanda , Hager Maria
Published: December 2008

During their children's preschool years, parents were asked about the frequencies of adult reading, parent-child reading, and children's solitary book activities in the home. Parental responses were compared for three groups of children defined according to the parents' reading skills and the children's reading achievement in Grade 2. The results indicated that the 22 preschoolers who became poorer readers had less frequent early literacy-related experiences than the 34 children who became better readers.
Mild Head Injury as a Source of Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Segalowitz Sidney J. , Brown Deborah
Published: December 2008

The hospital-reported incidence of mild head injury among children indicates a prevalence of 2% to 3% in high-school-aged adolescents (14 to 18 years). Yet, our survey of 616 high school adolescents suggests that light and mild head injury (not necessarily leading to hospital admission) is almost 10 times this level. Despite the common notion that such injury is generally benign, we found significant relationships in our sample between reported head injury and hyperactivity, stuttering, mixed handedness, and dislike of mathematics.
The Impact of a Transitional Training Program for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Posthill Suzanne M. , Roffman Arlyn J.
Published: December 2008

A study was conducted in 1988-1990 at Lesley College's (Cambridge, Massachusetts) Threshold Program, one of the few campus-based, comprehensive transition programs in the country for young adults with learning disabilities functioning in the low-average intellectual range. The goal of the study was to assess the ability of program graduates from the classes of 1984 to 1987 to successfully manage the demands of independent living and competitive employment after intensive training in Threshold's 2- to 3-year program. From a total of 71 graduates contacted, 45 participated in the study, including 34 females and 11 males. The subjects ranged in age from 21 to 31 with the average age being 24. Information was gathered from all subjects through written questionnaires and personal or telephone contact. Small-group interviews were conducted with a sample of eight subjects. Factors contributing to the stability of competitive employment and independent living, support systems most commonly used, and specific impacts of the Threshold program on the lives of its graduates were studied. The data revealed that 61% of the respondents were currently employed in one of Threshold's fields of training, 52% had held their jobs for at least 1 year, and 42% (excluding cohort '87) held their jobs for at least 2 years. Seventy-five percent were living independently and 84% of those had maintained an apartment for more than 1 year. Subjects found compatibility with roommates and money management to be the biggest challenges. They perceived themselves as being quite independent and felt they would not be as successful without the opportunity of this program model.
Effects of Methylphenidate on the Auditory Processing Abilities of Children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Keith Robert W. , Engineer Parika
Published: December 2008

Stimulant medications are widely used as part of the treatment for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study investigated the effects of methylphenidate on auditory vigilance, auditory processing abilities, and receptive language abilities of children with ADHD. Twenty subjects (17 males and 3 females) ranged in age from 7 to 13 years. Each subject had been diagnosed as having ADHD and had been prescribed methylphenidate for the control of hyperactivity. The test battery included the Auditory Continuous Performance Test (ACPT), SCAN (a screening test for auditory processing disorders in children), and the Token Test for Children. Results indicated that there was significant improvement in the children's performance on all measures when on methylphenidate. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Historical Perspectives on Dyslexia
Authors: Richardson Sylvia O.
Published: December 2008

This article begins with an historical overview of the neurological aspects of dyslexia, which was originally seen as a member of the family of aphasias. That overview is followed by a brief review of familial and genetic factors in developmental dyslexia. The article then presents psycholinguistic models of dyslexia as they relate to the neurological concepts. Finally, the author reviews briefly the evolution of methods that have been successful in the remediation of dyslexia.
Response to Historical Perspective
Authors: Kamhi Alan G.
Published: December 2008

The strength of Richardson's historical perspective of dyslexia is that it illuminates some historical antecedents of dyslexia that may be unfamiliar to readers. Its weakness is that it fails to address the definitional issues associated with dyslexia. These issues are addressed in the present article. A definition of dyslexia is offered that considers the nature of the processing limitation that underlies the disorder as well as the developmental changes that occur in the manifestation of the disorder.
Perspectives on Dyslexia
Authors: Simmons Deborah C.
Published: December 2008

This commentary responds to Bashir and Scavuzzo's assertion that dyslexia should be viewed as a chronic, pervasive condition. The limitations of viewing dyslexia in such a light are identified, and alternate perceptions are proposed. Implications and impact of instructional curricula on reading achievement are discussed.
Predictors of Self-Esteem
Authors: Morvitz Edward , Motta Robert W.
Published: December 2008

This study examined the relative influence on children's self-esteem of academic achievement, maternal self-esteem, maternal acceptance, and children's perception of their parents' acceptance of them. Subjects were students with learning disabilities in a self-contained class (n=31), similarly diagnosed students in resource room (n=35), students in compensatory education (n=30), and nondisabled students (n=30) from Grades 3 through 6. Results showed that for the self-contained group, a child's perception of maternal and paternal acceptance plus the child's academic achievement score accounted for 58% of the variance in the child's self-esteem. None of the independent variables accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in the compensatory education and regular class groups. The self-esteem of the regular class students was significantly higher than that of the resource room students and the compensatory education students, but not significantly higher than that of the self-contained students.
Neurological Aspects of Dyslexia
Authors: Hynd George W.
Published: December 2008

The Balance Model rests on a long history of research that suggests that different subtypes of dyslexia exist. Based on the notion that there are two subtypes of dyslexia, Bakker has articulated a developmental neuropsychological model whereby a procedure known as hemisphere-specific stimulation may be beneficial in treatment. This article reviews Bakker's model and provides a critical examination as to why validating research has not been conducted. While Bakker's Balance Model may hold promise for scientific inquiry, validation of treatment effects are needed prior to employing these procedures in clinical practice. Further, important conceptual issues remain to be addressed.
Stimulant Medication and Reading Performance
Authors: Forness Steven R. , Swanson James M. , Cantwell Dennis P. , Youpa Daniel , Hanna Gregory L.
Published: December 2008

The study examined the sustained effects of methylphenidate on reading performance in a sample of 42 boys, ages 8 to 11, with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two subgroups were formed based on the presence or absence of co-occurring conduct disorders. Subjects were selected on the basis of their positive response to methylphenidate as determined in a series of original medication trials (Forness, Cantwell, Swanson, Hanna, & Youpa, 1991). For the purpose of this study, subjects were placed on their optimal dose of medication for a 6-week period and then tested on measures of oral reading and reading comprehension equivalent to those used in the original trials, retested after a week without medication (placebo), then tested again the following week after return to medication. Only the subgroup with conduct disorders responded, and this response was limited to reading comprehension improvement in only those subjects who also demonstrated improvement in oral reading on original trials. No response differences were found between subjects with or without learning disabilities.
Writing Instruction From a Sociocultural Perspective
Authors: Englert Carol Sue
Published: December 2008

This article considers the sociocultural perspective as a framework for writing instruction. Four assumptions of the perspective are examined and illustrated: Writing is a holistic cognitive activity; cognitive processes are learned in dialogic interactions with others; cognitive development occurs in students' zones of proximal development; and knowledge construction is a social and cultural phenomenon.
Fostering Literacy Learning in Supportive Contexts
Authors: Palincsar Annemarie Sullivan , Klenk Laura
Published: December 2008

Young children with learning disabilities typically encounter difficulty with academic tasks requiring intentional effort and effective use of metacognitive skills—qualities that competent readers and writers possess. In response to these difficulties, special educators often modify literacy instruction, isolating the “basic skills” of literacy (such as decoding and penmanship) from meaningful reading and writing activities. Such instruction contributes to impoverished notions of literacy and exacerbates problems of metacognition. The two research programs reported here challenge the conventional literacy instruction provided to many young students with LD. The programs are rooted in developmental and cognitive theory and research, as well as emergent literacy theory. The social nature of learning is emphasized, with a focus on the role of the teacher, the form of discourse, and the role of text in literacy instruction. Results show that children with learning disabilities benefit from strategy instruction occurring within classroom cultures that support collaborative discourse, the flexible application of comprehension strategies, and appropriate, meaningful opportunities for reading and writing.
Self-Regulated Learning, Strategy Shifts, and Shared Expertise
Authors: Garner Ruth
Published: December 2008

Here in the Pacific Northwest, weather forecasting requires even more tentativeness than elsewhere. Storms in the Gulf of Alaska, deep gorges with furious winds, and rainy valleys and sounds combined with arid high deserts all seem to ensure low success rates for meteorologists' predictions. Crafty television meteorologists have adopted a coping strategy: Discuss what you have observed to have occurred today and yesterday, rather than what you expect to occur tomorrow. Pacific Northwest weatherpersons spend many minutes each day telling their viewing audiences how cold and wet it has already been in obscure parts of the region.
Reading Disabilities and Aggression
Authors: Cornwall Anne , Bawden Harry N.
Published: December 2008

Several authors have suggested that there is a strong association between specific learning disabilities and aggression, antisocial behavior, and juvenile delinquency. Claims that learning disabilities cause aggressive behavior and delinquency are increasingly common in the popular press, and a variety of theories concerning this purported causal relationship have been proposed. This research is flawed by a lack of specificity in the definition of learning disabilities, with studies often examining heterogeneous groups of children with learning problems. The present review examines the relationship between specific reading disabilities (the most frequently diagnosed learning disability) and aggressive behavior. The data suggest that there is not enough evidence to conclude that reading disability causes aggressive or delinquent behavior, although limited evidence does suggest that reading disability may worsen preexisting aggressive behavior.