The paper provides an overview of issues concerned with individual student differences including disabilities. Such issues concern: philosophical dilemmas in individualization, needed changes in methods instruction, effective inservice training and individualization, and state and university partnerships. (DB)

An impressive interdisciplinary information base of learning disabilities (LD) research is developing, but a significant amount is isolated in journals not familiar to those in the LD field. The four existing LD journals need to seek LD research produced by related disciplines to serve as a research clearinghouse. (JDD)

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)

Unlike other special education categories defined in U.S. law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the definition of specific learning disability (SLD) has not changed since first proposed in 1968. Thus, although the operational definition of SLD has responded to new knowledge and understanding about the construct, the formal definition…

This analysis of the politics of learning disabilities finds that the balance between political and scientific aspects of learning disabilities has been disturbed, with political aspects being overly influential. Discussed in detail are the scientific side of learning disabilities, politics as advocacy, politics as ideology (especially Marxism),…

In rebuttal to a critique of a previous paper, the authors stress the complexities of defining the term "learning disabilities" and the inadequacies of Kosc's approach to a prior definition based upon established definitions of "learning" and "disability" (Author/DB)

The article reviews theoretical issues surrounding the concept of severe discrepancy in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Components of discrepancy, including ability measures and achievement measures, are discussed. It is concluded that discrepancy is a necessary but not sufficient criterion in the identification of a learning disability.…

This article examines the problem of definition in learning disabilities. It discusses the failure of conceptual definitions to provide a clear idea of what learning disabilities are, examines the true nature of available definitions as stipulative definitions, and notes the difficulty in conceptualizing and implementing operational definitions.…

The article reacts to C. E. Sleeter's analysis of the history of learning disabilities by concluding that the fundamental problems in learning disabilities and other mildly handicapping conditions are the consequence of their politicization and not of political pressures for their establishment. (Author/DB)

The Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities' definition of learning disabilities implies that the presence of social skills deficits alone suffices for diagnosis, even in the absence of academic difficulties. Overlaps between this criterion and eligibility criteria for emotional disturbance are discussed along with implications for…

This paper examines studies of the Minnesota Institute which were interpreted as demonstrating that students with learning disabilities are not distinguishable from other low-achieving students. Results of the reexamination indicate that learning disabilities and low achievement can be clearly differentiated, even in studies indicating that little…

An author of a paper (EC 602 060) that presents two causal models of learning disabilities comments on his interest in the research, how the research design developed, limitations of the research, and the need for replication with other disability groups. (JDD)

This rejoinder to commentaries on the authors' original article (EC 630 380) concerning the balance between science and politics in the education of students with learning disabilities first clarifies and expands particular points, then addresses each of the four commentaries individually. The authors urge increasing scientific research and…