This commentary on Edwin Ellis' model of integrative strategy instruction for use with students with learning disabilities argues the need for systematic investigations of the multiple facets of the program. The ISI model is examined in terms of the eight principles of strategy instruction outlined by H.L. Swanson. (JDD)

The author reviews research on early deprivation and neglect and recounts his own experience with children whose dwarfism is attributed to abuse or neglect. The existence of specific learning disability and diminished IQ in many of these children is cited. The author suggests further attention to the problem. (CL)

Describes special education in Spain, specifically for children with learning disabilities (LD). Discusses the broad definition used in Spain, relevant Spanish legislation, and proposed school reform. Also described are the support services model, assessment practices, and instructional approaches for LD in Spain. Educational implications of…

This article presents a contextual picture of the learning disabilities (LD) field in Portugal, where the public school failure rate is approximately 37% and 29% in primary and secondary systems, respectively. The need for a clear educational and legislative definition of LD, changes in assessment and treatment models, and improved personnel…

Data from reports of the federally funded Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs) are said to show that only three CSDCs adhered to all criteria in the federal definition of learning disabilities. The author suggests that LD should be adopted as a generic term for all mild handicaps. (CL)

This article introduces a series of papers on cognitive process-based instruction for students with learning disabilities. Cognitive process-based instruction is defined and differentiated from the process training advocated by S. Kirk in the 1970s. The method's basis of sound theory and academic tasks is stressed. (DB)

A case study can help to clarify for the student the puzzling contradictions and the range of irregularities that characterize the learning disabled child. Different frameworks for analyses can be generated from the case study. It offers an opportunity to use inductive reasoning in uniting theory and practice. (Author)

This commentary supports Linda Siegel's challenge to the learning disabilities field (in EC221505) to produce data indicating that dyslexic readers differ from other poor readers in their cognitive processing, educational prognosis, and response to treatment. The commentary also points out that the existence of Matthew effects reinforces Siegel's…

Current advocacy efforts in learning disabilities (LD) are critiqued and alternatives to traditional special education such as implementing the effective schools research are reviewed. Five objectives of an advocacy blueprint for a pluralist school include increasing public awareness of the LD experience and making integration the centerpiece of…

This article evaluates conclusions in Van den Broeck's article (2002) that argue the regression-based discrepancy method (RDM) used in learning disabilities diagnosis is invalid because it is inconsistent with the underlying underachievement concept of which it is intended to be the operationalization. It concludes acceptable models support the…

This article reviews Bakker's developmental neuropsychological model (the Balance Model) of reading development (EC 602 750), notes the need for validating research before employing these procedures in clinical practice, and raises some conceptual problems such as evidence that learning disability subtypes evolve over time. (Author/DB)

The article reports research supporting a view which sees learning disabilities as resulting from the interplay between a poorly elaborated knowledge base (especially in language related domains), the biologically determined efficiencies of such processes as encoding, and the physical and social meaning attached to performance (i.e. the context).…

This response to Englert's article (EC 602 935) on sociocultural factors in teaching writing to students with learning disabilities addresses the application of social constructivist theory. It notes that the success of the Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Writing program may be not only attributable to its holistic social emphasis but also to…

This article discusses reasons for rejection of the learning disability category in New Zealand and describes the general education and special education systems in New Zealand. It is suggested that the needs of such students may potentially be met by new policies for "high incidence" special needs. Teacher training needs are also…

This article notes the increasing emphasis on self-determination in the school-to-adulthood transition movement, describes four self-determination models, and outlines instructional programs to promote self-determination in students with learning disabilities. Emerging issues are identified, including redefinition of roles, importance of taking…