This article reviews the efforts made since 1962 to define learning disabilities, discusses 11 prominent definitions, identifies important conceptual elements on which the definitions differ, and calls for a consensual acceptance of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition. (PB)

This commentary re-examines Linda Siegel's four basic assumptions (in EC221505) inherent in the Intelligence Quotient-achievement discrepancy commonly used to define learning disability. The commentary also discusses the uses of alternative measures of intelligence and the role of Intelligence Quotient in the identification of learning-disabled…

The identifying features of nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) were evaluated with 29 NLD children, 27 children with reading and spelling disabilities, and 27 nonclinical children. Four tests were found which accurately discriminated the NLD group from the others. Deficits in visual-perceptual-organizational psychomotor coordination and complex…

Guidelines, developed by the Council for Learning Disabilities Research Committee, for the minimum description of participants with learning disabilities in educational research. Subjects should be described both in the report narrative and in an accompanying table. Editors of professional journals are urged to require that all manuscripts contain…

These concluding comments on the series of articles introduced by Linda Siegel's paper (EC221505) summarize the bases for disputing the utility of intelligence tests. The learning disabilities field's resistance to abandoning use of Intelligence Quotient tests is also acknowledged, and improved assessment measures and further research are called…

This study compared effects of two approaches to hands-on science, supported inquiry science (SIS) and activity-based science, in six urban and two suburban fourth-grade general education classrooms involving 172 students, 33 of whom had learning disabilities (LD). The study found that students with and without LD demonstrated greater concept…

Critically evaluates recent research aimed at empirical identification of homogeneous subtypes of learning disability. It is suggested that researchers strive for more commonality in the methods and measures used for subtype analysis leading to a single classification scheme to reduce heterogeneity and improve educational efforts. (Author/DB)

This response to a paper by Linda Siegel (EC221505) on the relationship between Intelligence Quotient and learning disabilities addresses the differences between classification and identification, limitations in Siegel's conceptualization of intelligence, and the representation of the language and learning domains subsumed within the learning…

This article presents a reinterpretation of Gerald Coles's 1987 book "The Learning Mystique," viewing it as making a positive contribution to the learning disabilities field in both practical and theoretical ways, by offering the possibility of different treatment options and expanding the intellectual base for researchers. Potential research…

In response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this counterpoint addresses the role of basic versus applied research, limitations of the procedure proposed by Swanson for establishing external validity and proving the metatheory, and limitations of metatheoretical research with regard to developing…

This study compared personality profiles of young adults with learning disabilities attending college (n=16) to those (n=26) participating in training programs in a rehabilitation setting. Findings found both groups demonstrated profiles indicating extreme stress and anxiety though particular characteristics differed between groups. (DB)

Issues raised in responses to Linda Siegel's paper (EC221505) on the relationship between intelligence test scores and learning disabilities are addressed. Discussed are the nature of intelligence, classification of learning disabilities by discrepancy between intelligence test scores and achievement scores, the existence of learning disabilities,…

Efficacy of a brief cognitive-affective intervention to enhance motivational readiness for participating in a psychoeducational decision-making conference was evaluated with 32 school-age children with possible learning disabilities. Although outcomes specific to the preconference intervention were not found, a positive relationship between…

Research articles (n=174) published in the "Journal of Learning Disabilities" from 1989 through 1993 were analyzed and coded by type of research design and statistical technique used. Eighty percent of the research designs were nonintervention methods; 55% of all statistical techniques were coded as primary, 32% were intermediate, and…

Two studies examined response to varying amounts of time in reading intervention for two cohorts of first-grade students demonstrating low levels of reading after previous intervention. Students were assigned to one of three groups that received (a) a single dose of intervention, (b) a double dose of intervention, or (c) no intervention.…