Intended to encompass individuals in need of special treatment, teachers, and areas of knowledge relevant to either or both groups, the text discusses the following subjects: the nature of reading; the nature of learning difficulties; the development of reading instruction in the United States; the development of instruction for children with learning difficulties in the United States; and educational therapy for persons with reading problems. Also considered are instructional approaches and materials for the reading disabled and the organization, implementation, and administration of reading programs. Sources of professional information for teachers of those with reading difficulties and a list of publishers' addresses are included. Wineva M. Grzynkowicz and Richard L. Dervin author three chapters. (RJ)