Based on a systematic search of literature published from 1988 to 1995, 20 math interventions for secondary students with learning disabilities were identified and analyzed. Effective methods include teacher-directed instruction, instructional design curriculum variables, three-term contingency trials, strategy instruction, self-monitoring…

The constructivist educational theory of instructional scaffolding, where a teacher provides support to students on an as-needed basis and decreases support as the student's competence grows, is evaluated. Scaffolding is seen as being only one part of effective instruction for students with learning or other disabilities. Limitations to the…

The use of constructivism in mathematics instruction for regular and special education students, including those with learning disabilities, is explored. Issues addressed include the explicit-to-implicit continuum of constructivism, perceptions of constructivism relating to teachers and students, the setting demands of a constructivistic learning…

A study analyzed 2,378 empirical articles on ethnic minority students published in two learning disability and two special education journals over a 22-year period (1972-94). Studies focused on assessment and testing, sensory-perceptual processing, and placement issues. The majority also compared ethnic groups, used quantitative approaches, and…

Discusses problems and controversies associated with preservice teacher education curricular reform, teacher preparation programs and the learning disabilities field, and restructuring teacher preparation programs to prepare teachers to work with culturally diverse students with learning disabilities. Recruitment and retention of culturally…

Discusses the use of a sociocultural perspective on learning and learning disabilities for understanding learning problems within culturally diverse groups. Reviews assumptions about ethnicity and culture (supposed homogeneity within cultures) and describes ways to distinguish ethnicity and culture. Discusses implications for assessment,…

This study reviews research indicating that specific instruction in reading comprehension strategies is effective in improving comprehension for students, including those with learning disabilities. The reading strategies of highly competent readers are identified, and effective application of transactional strategies instruction with weak…

This article reviews the literature on the effectiveness of grade retention for high-risk students and discusses the implications of this research for students with learning disabilities. It notes that, despite evidence that retention is ineffective for most students, many educators and laypersons continue to support this practice. (DB)

This article proposes a developmental approach to the assessment of early mathematics disabilities. It examines major findings concerning children's early mathematical thinking, emphasizing counting and calculation skills. Both normal and atypical development are considered, and guidelines for an assessment procedure are offered. A case vignette…

Insights from both cognitive psychology and learning disabilities intervention research are presented to improve understanding of the processes by which number fact fluency develops. Discussion includes assessment guidelines and learning strategies such as counting all, counting on, and alternative groupings. (Author/JDD)

Thirty studies that examined mathematics strategies for use with learning-disabled students are reviewed. The studies evaluated reinforcement and goal setting on seat work performance, specific strategies for computation and problem solving, mnemonic strategies, peer mediation, and computer-assisted instruction. Virtually all instructional…

Interactive Semantic Mapping is presented as an interactive instructional strategy developed from multiple theoretical bases to aid reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities. It involves students in predicting relationships among concepts and sharing knowledge to facilitate comprehension of text-related concepts. This article…

This paper provides an historical overview of the foreign language learning difficulties of students with learning disabilities; describes a language-based assessment model for diagnosing foreign language learning problems; and discusses the role of diagnosticians, counselors, and academic service providers in the identification, accommodation,…

This paper reviews the history of whole-language versus code-emphasis approaches to reading instruction. The paper concludes that students with severe learning disabilities may learn to read in a whole-language, mainstream classroom, if provided with supplemental instruction, a variety of instructional techniques, and appropriate intensity and…

This article on curriculum and instructional issues in teaching secondary students with learning disabilities discusses the impact of traditional secondary school programs on these students; promising research examining alternative program models and instructional interventions (including the Strategies Intervention Model, Integrated Strategy…