The author estimates that approximately 200,000 lives of devalued disabled people (including infants and older adults) are taken or abbreviated annually through euthanasia and termination of life-supporting measures. He cites possible reasons for limited public outcry against what he compares with the holocaust. (CL)

The author cites comments of B.F. Skinner supporting the benefits of carefully constructed computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs. Preliminary studies on military populations suggesting the value of CAI are discussed, as is the collection of information about software. (CL)

Five of 10 paraprofessionals completing training in the administration and scoring of tests to identify dyslexia and hyperkinesis were judged extremely proficient as psychoeducational technicians. Such training appeared feasible, cost effective, and helpful in allowing professionals more time for diagnosis, counseling, and prescribing appropriate…

All three problem-solving approaches (cognitive monitoring, creative problem solving, and a combination) aided the oral comprehension of 100 reading disabled third graders. The combination approach produced consistently higher mean scores on the group administered Boehm Test of Basic Competencies than either program separately. (CL)

Extensive observational data were gathered in high school classrooms for handicapped and nonhandicapped students to establish social norms for comparision purposes, and help determine integrated placement. Significant difference in two behaviors (reading and listening/participation) were noted between the handicapped and nonhandicapped students.…

Staff of a private school were asked to identify characteristics apparently interfering with academic progress of 321 bright elementary children who were underachievers in reading. Results suggested the need to avoid treating reading problems in isolation. Examples of successful treatment approaches are cited. (CL)

In this article a learning disabled person tells about his most difficult, yet successful educational and social career as a nonreader. Both positive and negative aspects of the educational system are imbedded in this account of what it means to be a nonreader in our culture. (Author/CL)

Results indicated that normally achieving children were more aware of passage organization than learning disabled elementary children. However, both groups focused on dimensions such as sentence length, decoding and vocabulary difficulty and informational load, rather than passage organization as determinants of task difficulty. (Author/CL)

Effects of high activity level and cognitive impulsivity on the production of relevant, task-directed verbalizations were examined in a group of 90 second graders. Impulsivity-reflectivity was related to the production of both spontaneous and induced on-task verbalizations, but high activity level ratings were not. (Author/CL)

The authors review research on techniques to change social behavior, ranging from relatively simple manipulations of antecedent and consequent conditions to complex instructional "packages" involving didactic, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback procedures and examine issues involved in generalization of social skills training as well as ethical…

LOGO, a graphics language that helps the student participate in a consistent, self-correcting learning environment, can help children with learning disabilities think about thinking. (CL)

Grade equivalent scores and standard scores for 32 elementary learning disabled were compared and yielded significant correlations. Mean grade equivalent scores did, however, significantly differ for the two reading measures but not when standard scores were used. The two math indices yielded nonsignificant grade equivalent scores. (Author/CL)

Nine procedures assessing the magnitude or statistical significance of ability-achievement discrepancy dealing only with magnitude were evaluated and found to possess one or more serious statistical deficiencies. The approach with the greatest potential involves assessing the statistical significance (reliability) of a discrepancy score and then…

Seven learning disabled children (six-nine years old) participated in classes featuring Slingerland (group multisensory activities) or Sullivan (individualized traditional) reading approaches. Both groups evidenced nearly equal improvement in differing areas. Possible reasons contributing to the appeal of the Slingerland approach are noted. (CL)

The study examined the decision-making processes of 15 administrators, 22 psychologists, 28 teachers, and 15 nurses in judgments about learning disabled. Results indicated that judges did differ with respect to the weights assigned specific cues but were similar in their ratings of severity level and recommended educational placement. (Author/CL)