Stressed in the tribute to Justice William Douglas are his contributions to individual rights as related to increased awareness of responsibilities toward the education of the severely and profoundly handicapped. (DB)

Stressed in the symposium paper are research problems in learning disabilities, and proposed are solutions including behavioral definitions of the population under study, the discontinuation of the ex post facto research correlating psychosocial and etiological factors with special education labels, and adherence to basic rules of good research…

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities, the author suggests that ecological methods are equally valid scientifically as experimental methods if the problem is well conceptualized. (DB)

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities, the author agrees that there has been too much ex post facto correlational research and reliance on etiological labels but emphasizes that not enough attention has been paid to the formulation of sound theory underlying research hypotheses. (DB)

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities (LD), the author agrees that much research has shown inconsistent and inconclusive results, points out conceptual inadequacies in LD research, stresses the need to define the research population, and differentiates between constructs and behaviors. (DB)

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities the author agrees on the need for better definitions and more experimental studies (rather than ex post facto correlational studies) but suggests that subgroups within the broad classification of learning disabilities be identified for research and instructional…

In response to S. A. Cohen's paper on research problems in learning disabilities, the author supports an eclectic attitude toward research advocating the utilization of both theory and experimentation. (DB)

In answering responses to his paper on research problems in learning disabilities, the author reiterates his belief that more experimental designs based on observable behaviors are needed. (DB)

Special educators need to consider the implications of trends toward the rapid expansion of preschool programs for the handicapped, and the increased demand upon educators at all levels for systematic planning. (Author/DB)

Cautions and considerations for developing and implementing instructional models for students with learning and behavioral problems are examined in view of the need for keeping students as close to the least restrictive alternative as possible. (Author)