Key components are outlined that represent the mindset of effective educators of students with learning disabilities, including: addressing the social-emotional needs of students, having empathy, recognizing educators have a lifelong impact on the development of resilience in students, avoiding accusations, blame, and labels, and striving to meet…

The article discusses the teacher's requirements for knowledge regarding teaching as well as reading. A teaching model's seven components are reviewed as are components of a reading curriculum model. An alternative approach is proposed that focuses on school change. (CL)

A case study of a language disabled student, demonstrates one way to structure the stages of writing: prewriting, planning, drafting, revising, and proofreading. Clearly defined, specific skills--oriented stages help students strengthen their expression. The case study reveals development of sense of control and regard for himself as a writer.…

This guide outlines the characteristics of dyslexia and its educational implications. Parental understanding of the problem and support for intervention efforts are stressed. Various learning activities are suggested, along with guidelines to help the child cope with the disability, become better organized, study for tests, etc. (JDD)

Scholastic Aptitude Test skills of dyslexics can be enhanced through use of special test administration arrangements and a structured program of vocabulary development, test-taking strategies, and a pattern of analysis to improve reading comprehension. Two case studies illustrate the impact of drill and reinforcement, multimodal imagery…

Three papers focus on adapting typical college preparatory curricula for dyslexic secondary students. The rationale and necessity for such adaptation are examined in the first, while the second addresses three major problems (too much information, lack of prepackaged curricula, lack of basic skills). The final paper considers classroom application…

A psychotherapist reviews literature on emotional problems requiring psychotherapy in learning disabled children and discusses issues involved in providing psychotherapy and remediation concurrently. Among issues covered in case studies are the individual's frequent denial of the need for treatment as well as resistance to treatment. (CL)

The emotional component of learning disabilities is examined, and case study excerpts are cited to illustrate problems encountered with matters of self-concept and self-esteem, social perception, and personality functioning. The need to help children compensate emotionally for their difficulties is emphasized. (CL)

Emotional development from infancy to adolescence is traced and the effects of psychosocial issues on a child with a learning disability are considered for five of E. Erikson's seven proposed stages (trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, adolescence). The need for intervention and parent counseling at each state is emphasized. (CL)

The author describes an evaluation of persons with suspected learning disabilities. Two types of tests are considered (mental maturity and basic language skills) and examples of each are given. Sample profiles exhibiting irregular development of aptitudes are provided and observations from informal as well as formal assessment are suggested. (CL)

This paper discusses five language roots of reading: phonology, syntax, semantics, short-term and long-term memory, and auditory segmenting. Teachers are urged to focus early school experiences toward development of these five skills to reduce the incidence of reading difficulties. Specific teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

The Orton-Gillingham method, a multisensory structured language approach which adheres to the direct and explicit teaching of phonology, is presented as an alternative instructional strategy for dyslexic/learning-disabled or other "at risk" students learning a second language. A method for adapting this approach to teaching Spanish is described.…

A model is presented for helping students with learning disabilities experience success in school and beyond. Components of the model include internal decisions, which include desire, goal orientation, and reframing and external manifestations or behaviors of persistence, goodness of fit, learned creativity, and favorable social ecologies.…

This paper describes the development and application of individualized intervention procedures in a classroom for preschool language-impaired children. Language development principles utilized in the program focus on determining the setting, timing, interactive participants, purpose, and content. Resulting changes in language comprehension and…

The paper discusses (1) sources of difficulty in comprehending technical writing, (2) distinctions between content structure and text structure, (3) building blocks for expository writing and techniques of text design, (4) contrasts between American and Japanese science and social studies texts, and (5) suggestions for promoting comprehension.…