In an effort to establish more universal research standards the Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) Research Committee proposes a set of guidelines to be used for subject descriptions in LD research reports. (Author/CL)

The introduction to the special issue on holism with learning disabled students addresses five current practices not espoused by the holistic model: segmentation of learning, narrow school goals, preoccupation with students' deficits, lack of consideration of student interests/needs in selecting curricula, and obsession with objectivity and fact.…

A learning disabled adult reviews his early experiences with professionals and schools, notes the effects of social skills difficulties and occupational frustrations, and offers suggestions for teachers (such as not discounting students' abilities as well as for learning disabled students (including emphasizing one's strengths and understanding…

The article addresses the "identity crisis" which the author says faces the field of learning disabilities. Following a brief review of the history of special education, the logical positivism movement is described and challenged. In the final section the author emphasizes the need to examine values rather than facts divorced from contexts. (CL)

The author describes the decision to discard mechanistic trappings of the remedial approach (including charting behaviors, standard tests, and daily progress checks) and to institute a more holistic approach to teaching that incorporated a context of personal meaning and uses. (CL)

The author offers the premise that the field of learning disabilities is at a critical point in development and that the research literature manifests such trends as few references beyond special education, emphasis on conversation tasks rather than unifying themes (equilibration and structuralism) of J. Piaget, and reductionist tendencies. (CL)

Problems with the current definition of learning disabilities (LD) include its misinterpretation, failure to recognize the developmental nature of LD, and lack of statement about etiology. The definition offered by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities is presented. (CL)

The paper presents the position of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities regarding design and implementation of inservice programs for professionals serving learning disabled persons. Recommendations touch on needs assessment, competence of inservice leaders, models, multidisciplinary approaches, and administrative support. (CL)

The paper outlines educational options for learning disability students. Five options (from regular class placement with consultation to special education programs in residential facilities) are described along with seven recommendations for improved services (including continuity of programs and services, variety of instructional approaches, and…

The paper analyzes problems and offers recommendations for personnel preparation in learning disabilities. Among problems cited are the organizational complexity and rigidity of institutions and lack of interdisciplinary training. Recommendations for preservice education focus on admission criteria, faculty evaluation, accountability, practica,…

An information processing approach to the assessment of learning disabled students' intellectual performance is presented. The model is based on the assumption that intelligent behavior is comprised of a variety of problem- solving strategies. An account of child problem solving is explained and illustrated with a "thinking aloud" protocol.…

Steps for enhancing skills and motivation for solving interpersonal problems are included. In addition, reference is made to planning intervention for learning disabled students. (Author/SEW)

Problems with restricting learning disabilities to a range of mild handicaps are noted and five areas of controversy affecting severely learning disabled students are addressed: definitions, student characteristics, identification criteria, educational methods and technology, and educational services. (CL)

The history of difficulties with definitions of learning disabilities (LD) is reviewed and the definition proposed by the National Joint Committee for Learning Disabilities is described. LD is seen as a generic term referring to a heterogeneous group of disorders presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction. (CL)

The four basic methods of quantifying severe academic discrepancy to determine learning disabilities are evaluted in terms of ease of administration, measurement errors, regression effects, years in school, changes in variation of achievement scores at different grades, comparability of norms, incidence, and treatment of IQ/achievement…