In response to articles concerning the author's earlier paper, the paper responds to criticisms concerning contextualism, the role of metatheory, distinctions between basic and applied research, cognitive components and specificity, the science of learning disabilities, neurological indices, model validation, and the nature of learning…

Factors that may explain the increase in the prevalence of learning disabilities are explained. One factor is related to the newness of learning disabilities as a discipline, and one is related to social/cultural changes (such as substance abuse, poverty, and lack of social support) that have occurred in U.S. society. (JDD)

This paper affirms H. Lee Swanson's views in "Toward a Metatheroy of Learning Disabilities" and elaborates upon the role of basic research in learning disabilities. An alternative perspective on the nature of applied research is described that views applied research as theoretically driven research aimed at practical matters. (JDD)

This article discusses terminology in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 referring to "otherwise qualified" individuals with disabilities, with particular reference to students with learning disabilities. Current practices and issues in implementing the law with learning-disabled students are evaluated in light of legal…

The author argues that many children labeled as learning disabled are merely exhibiting the range of individual differences statistically expected for various school related abilities. She encourages the individualization of instruction in the regular class to allow individual rates of progress and to avoid the learning disability label. (DB)

Fundamental assumptions concerning the cause of learning disabilities are described and criticized. At a broader level, research and theory in three different paradigms are discussed: (1) neuropsychological; (2) information processing; and (3) applied behavior analysis. Four recommendations for future progress in the conceptualization and…

Key concepts of the book include the lack of evidence supporting the neurological explanation for "learning disabilities," basic flaws in research based on this theory, and an alternative "interactivity" theory which posits that systemic economic, social, and cultural conditions are the principal influences contributing to learning failure. (DB)

The paper on learning disability (LD) definition and subtypes considers the nature of the definition and differentiation problems, the importance of placing and keeping LD in perspective vis a vis other learning problems, and future development of a LD classification schema using dimensions of cause, severity, pervasiveness, and chronicity.…

This commentary on EC 603 155, which discusses enhancement of literacy skills in young children with learning disabilities, focuses on the cognitive/metacognitive mix in intentional learning, reasons for children's faulty self-regulation, changes in strategic behavior in reciprocal teaching over time, and power and knowledge of teacher and child…

This commentary on C. Addison Stone's paper on scaffolding for the learning disabilities field suggests that many current applications prevent rather than encourage transfer of responsibility to students for learning and task accomplishment and that current practices in many schools may result in "reverse-scaffolding". (DB)

Discusses the anxiety and stress students with learning disabilities experience in the college environment. Cognitive strategies to overcome negative thinking patterns are discussed, including discussing anxiety with peers, positive imagining, playing out worst-case scenarios, confronting sources of anxiety, and accepting learning disabilities and…

Use of the discrepancy approach in defining learning disabilities is challenged, as intelligence tests do not measure potential, are not independent from what is measured by achievement tests, and are not powerful predictors of low reading performance. Use of intelligence tests in analysis, identification, and definition of learning disabilities…

The paper identifies areas of agreement among leaders in learning disabilities (LD) including heterogeneity of the LD population; explores the classification problem as it relates to etiology and/or treatment, and proposes a five-step plan to influence public policy concerned with differentiation and treatment of different types of learning…

This article examines issues in the assessment of secondary and postsecondary students who are both learning disabled and hearing impaired. It notes origins of the gap between deaf education and the field of learning disabilities; considers who should evaluate these students; and discusses formal assessments, informal assessments, and use of…

This article, originally published in 1968, examines learning disabilities from the perspectives of history, disciplines (calling for interdisciplinary convergence), education (viewing learning disabilities as a concept rather than a category), teacher preparation, province (evaluating the appropriateness of various delivery systems), and time…