Students with severe learning disabilities can learn higher order comprehension skills.

An instructional program designed to help middle-school students with severe learning disabilities learn about story themes, and focused on enhancing ability to generalize to themes not included in the instruction, was evaluated. Ten small-group special education classrooms were randomly assigned to receive either the Theme Identification Program or a series of lessons with a traditional instruction framework. The program classrooms scored higher on concept of theme, identification of instructed themes, application of instructed themes to real-life situations, and identification of themes that were not included in the instruction. These findings indicate that students with severe learning disabilities can profit from instruction geared toward abstract higher order comprehension when it is designed according to their particular instructional requirements. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Examining the instructional contexts of students with learning disabilities

This review of the literature examines how instructional contexts for elementary and secondary level students with learning disabilities have been studied in the past 10 years through a variety of methodological approaches and observation instruments. These studies employed some direct measure of classroom ecology, as well as some measure of the teacher or students' classroom behavior. Information included the time that students were engaged in different activities in different settings, interactions between teachers and students, and students' classroom behavior.     

Mathematics education and students with learning disabilities: introduction to the special series

The prevalence of students with mathematics learning disabilities has triggered an interest among special education researchers and practitioners in developing an understanding of the needs of this group of students, and in identifying effective instructional programming to foster their mathematical performance during the school years and into adulthood. Research into the characteristics of students with mathematics learning disabilities is being approached from different perspectives, including developmental, neurological and neuropsychological, and educational. This diversity helps us develop a broader understanding of students' learning needs and difficulties. Special education assessment practices encompass a variety of approaches, including norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, and nonstandardized procedures, depending on the specific assessment questions professionals seek to answer. Students' mathematical knowledge and conceptual understanding must be examined to determine their strengths and weaknesses, curriculum-based progress, and use of cognitive strategies to arrive at mathematical solutions. Research findings have identified empirically validated interventions for teaching mathematics curricula to students with mathematics learning disabilities. Research studies have been grounded in behavioral theory and cognitive psychology, with an emergent interest in the constructivist approach. Although research studies have focused primarily on computational performance, more work is being conducted in the areas of story-problem solving and technology. These areas as well as other math curricular skills require further study. Additionally, the needs of adults with math LD have spurred educators to examine the elementary and secondary math curricula and determine ways to infuse them with life skills instruction accordingly. As the field of mathematics special education continues to evolve, special educators must remain cognizant of the developments in and influences on the field of mathematics education. Reform efforts have shaped the field significantly since the 1950s, contributing to the curriculum offered in mathematics textbooks and the pedagogical practices taught in higher education courses. Mathematics educators continue to search for a better understanding of how children learn mathematics; this process is shaped by the prevailing theoretical orientations and research methodologies. This special series in mathematics special education provides readers with information about the characteristics of students with mathematics learning disabilities, assessment procedures, mathematics programming, teacher preparation, and future directions for the field. The series originated as a result of discussions with Dr. Lee Wiederholt and Dr. Judith K. Voress, who saw a need for the compilation of recent research and best practices in mathematics special education. I thank them for their support of and thoughtful insights about the development of this series. I also appreciate the support of Dr. George Hynd and his editorial assistant, Kathryn Black, in finalizing the details for publication. Finally, I am most appreciative of the authors' contributions to this series; their work continues to significantly influence the development of the field of mathematics special education and programming for students with mathematics learning disabilities.     

Homework for students with learning disabilities: the implications of research for policy and practice

The literature on homework for students with learning disabilities is reviewed. First, a summary of Cooper's (1989a) synthesis of research on homework for students without disabilities is presented, including (a) a definition of homework, (b) a model of the homework process, (c) the results of a meta-analysis of homework studies, and (d) generic policy guidelines. Next, special education research on homework conducted after 1985 is described. The literature is divided into studies that manipulated homework conditions and homework-related surveys of teachers and parents. The results of the literature review suggest that homework policies and practices for students with learning disabilities should emphasize (a) simple, short assignments; (b) careful monitoring by and prominent rewards from teachers; and (c) parental involvement, especially to provide structure, conducive environments, and immediate rewards.     

Designing drugs for transport into the brain

Research findings regarding general self-concept, academic self-concept, and self-awareness in students with learning disabilities have varied, and results are still inconclusive regarding the consistency between students' and teachers' judgments of academic performance. The current study focuses on students' and teachers perceptions of the students' strategy use and performance in nine different academic and organizational domains. Six hundred sixty-three students and their 57 teachers were involved in the study. Findings indicated that the students with learning disabilities considered themselves appropriately strategic and competent in the five domains of reading, writing, spelling, math, and organization. These students also rated their academic performance and organization as average to above-average in seven of nine domains, with the exception of checking and planning their work. Nevertheless, the self-ratings of the students with learning disabilities were still significantly lower than the self-ratings of average achievers in virtually all domains. The second major set of findings revealed a sharp discrepancy between the self-assessments of the students with learning disabilities and their teachers' judgments. Teachers rated the students with learning disabilities as weak in their strategy use and below-average in their performance in all nine academic and organizational domains. Finally, gender differences were not evident in eight of the nine domains. These results have added to the increasing body of literature indicating that students with learning disabilities frequently perceive themselves as capable and effective and often rate themselves as academically stronger than their teachers judge them to be.     

Transition planning assessment for secondary-level students with learning disabilities

This article presents a survey of and recommendations for transition planning assessment for secondary teachers of students with learning disabilities. The author makes a case for redirecting assessment practices in secondary instructional programs to obtain present-level-of-functioning information for IEP planning that extends beyond high school graduation as a single outcome. Critical outcomes in adult adjustment requiring transition planning are presented. Current standardized and nonstandardized assessment procedures that focus on adult outcomes, as well as preferences and interests in planning for the future, are described. The author gives recommendations for planning and conducting transition-needs assessment for secondary schools.     

Teaching multiplication facts to students with learning disabilities

Multiple baseline designs were used to examine the effects of an instructional package on accuracy of performance in solving multiplication facts by 3 students with learning disabilities. The instructional package included the following components: (a) a modified instructional sequence in which multiplication facts were grouped into the zeros, ones, doubles, fives, and nines categories, and those remaining; (b) identification of the category in which each fact belonged; (c) mnemonic strategies associated with solving facts in each category; and (d) steps to be completed for solving facts in each category. Results indicated that the instructional package produced substantial and immediate effects. After receiving instruction, a participant's accuracy was often 100%, and this was maintained throughout the evaluation even as other strategies were introduced. Comparable results occurred across students, demonstrating replication of the effects of the instructional package.     

Perceptions of control of students with and without cognitive disabilities

Research in the educational and psychological literature has linked adaptive perceptions of control to positive adult outcomes like better employment, higher quality of life, and increased independence. In recent years these findings have been extended to people with mental retardation. Research with this population has suggested that they tend to be more externally oriented than peers without disabilities or peers with other types of disabilities. This research, however, has not provided direct comparisons between people with mental retardation and other populations. The present study compared the perceptions of control of 431 students (227 boys, 204 girls) ages 10-20 years (M = 14.3) with mental retardation (n = 94), learning disabilities (n = 159), or no disabilities (n = 178). Analysis confirmed that students with mental retardation scored significantly more externally on measures of locus of control and attributions of academic success and failure than their peers with learning disabilities or without disabilities. The discussion focuses on implications for these students.     

The effects of different units of measurement on instructional decision making.

Sought to replicate the results of C. Darch and R. Gersten (1985), to determine if different units of time measurement yield different decisions regarding the relative effectiveness of instructional procedures for teaching sight words to students diagnosed with a specific learning disability in reading. The authors also sought to provide a heuristic for other school psychologists who are researching and measuring the effects of applied academic interventions. Four 7–8 yr olds who met the diagnostic criteria for learning disabled in reading were assessed to determine the effects of 2 varying presentation rates (immediate and 5 sec) on sight word recognition. No consistent differences between the immediate and 5 sec conditions were found for 3 of the 4 participants, which is contrary to the findings of Darch and Gersten. However, when measuring learning as a function of instructional time, immediate presentation resulted in a faster learning rate than the 5 sec condition for 3 of the 4 participants. Implications for the role of school psychologists in instructional decision making is also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Identification, accommodation, and success of students with learning disabilities in nursing education programs

Few studies have addressed the issue of nursing students with learning disabilities, although students with both identified and undiagnosed learning disabilities are pursuing nursing education. Legal mandates concerning these students impact nursing programs and faculty. To reduce the risk of discrimination litigation, nursing education programs need to establish educational strategies to promote these students' success. The purpose of this research was to discover the extent to which Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate Degree of Nursing programs in one southeastern state admit, identify, and graduate nursing students with learning disabilities, and to identify accommodations provided by these programs to promote success among this student population. Of the 54 programs surveyed, 45 responded. Almost 50% indicated that their program had admitted nursing students with learning disabilities and one-third reported graduating students with learning disabilities. Enrolled students with undiagnosed learning disabilities were identified during their course of studies by both faculty members and by students themselves. The most frequently reported accommodations for students were counselors, tutors, tape-recorded lectures, and computer access. As the number of students with learning disabilities seeking post-secondary education increases, nursing programs and nurse educators will be involved with greater numbers of students needing educational accommodations.     

Review of Learning About Learning Disabilities, Third Edition.

This article reviews the book, "Learning about Learning Disabilities, Third Edition" (see record 2004-21912-000), edited by Bernice Wong. This book is comprised of a selection of chapters authored by well-known authors in the field of learning disabilities. The book was developed for use with advanced undergraduate and graduate students with the intent to provide current information soundly based in research in the field. The chapters in the book are organized into three thematic sections. The first section deals with conceptual, historical, and research aspects of learning disabilities. The second section comprises chapters on reading comprehension, writing, math, social competence, strategy instruction, working with adolescents, issues in service delivery, and developing communities of practice. The third section focuses on a life span approach to learning disabilities. This book does what it purports to do. This is a well put together selection of readings. It may not be appropriate for advanced undergraduate students with no previous background knowledge or experience with learning disabilities due to the level of the book. The information provided in each chapter is current and soundly based in research. In addition to the research presented, the majority of the chapters also include practical implications of the research to teaching settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special series.

Provides an introduction to the special series on learning disabilities (LDs) in children. Despite an extensive literature on this topic, questions and controversy remain about the etiologies, definitions, subtyping, assessment, remediation, and prognosis of LDs. This special series addresses the current status of research on several important topics related to LDs. Some of the topics discussed include selective deficits in basic psychological processes, the role of socioemotional disturbance, reading disability, genetics, early detection, remedial instructional frameworks, and long-term prognosis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Teaching elementary school students to identify story themes.

An instructional program focused on story theme was administered to 2nd and 3rd graders (high-, average-, and low-achieving students, including some with disabilities) in a high-poverty school. Compared with more traditional instruction, the program improved theme comprehension and the identification of instructed themes when they appeared in new stories. However, the program did not help students apply a theme to real-life situations or identify and apply noninstructed themes. Findings indicated that at-risk children (at all achievement levels, including those with disabilities) were able to achieve some degree of abstract, higher order comprehension when given instruction that combined structured lessons, a strategy, and discussion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ingredients for a theory of instruction.

Analyzes the steps involved in deriving an optimal teaching strategy for instructional situations where a model-theoretic account of the learning process can be given. 2 examples derived from the author's research are considered: optimizing primary-grade instruction in initial reading, and optimizing 2nd-language learning by college students. In both cases, the optimal model-theoretic strategy yields large gains when compared with other strategies in widespread use in the schools. It is stated that these examples illustrate the relationship between a theory of learning and its corresponding theory of instruction. (22 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Matching students' cognitive responses to teaching skills.

Proposes a model of learning from instruction in which students perceive and cognitively respond to instructional stimuli before engaging learning processes per se. 302 university students were trained to recognize only (structural schema) or to recognize and cognitively respond to (functional schema) discrete teacher skills in lectures. Exp I produced no differences in learning due to overloading working memory and students' alteration or rejection of the schema. Practice with the schema was increased during training for Exp II. Structural training with extra practice enhanced learning more than did functional training, partly for the same reasons as in Exp I. The role of students' perception of instructional stimuli in learning from teaching is examined, and problems for research in which students' processing of instruction is distinguished from learning per se are identified. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Learning the spelling of strange words in Dutch benefits from regularized reading.

In 2 experiments, the authors tested the effect of 2 types of reading on the spelling memory of strange or sound-spelling inconsistent words in Dutch students with and without learning disabilities: standard reading and regularized reading. Standard reading refers to reading the word the way it has to be read. Regularized reading refers to reading a sound-spelling inconsistent word as if it is sound-spelling consistent. In Experiment 1, both groups showed a short-term effect. Shortly after training, all students who participated in the regularized-reading condition showed better spelling performance than students who took part in a standard-reading condition. One week after training, spelling knowledge of students without learning disabilities appeared to be more stable than that of students with learning disabilities. In Experiment 2, only students with learning disabilities participated. The results reveal that more training substantially enhanced spelling performance in the long term, and repetition of the regularized word was even more effective. A recurrent network account served as the guiding principle to explain the results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A behavioral approach to college teaching.

Describes a program of research on teaching methods and their results, comparing these techniques with other instructional procedures. The research was conducted from the philosophical and methodological perspective of an empirical approach to instructional procedures in higher education. The techniques included using skilled students to teach other students, precise specification of curricula, continuous recording and graphing of performance data, individualized definition of performance criteria, and frequent assessment integrated with teaching. The roles of a number of variables critical to the success of such teaching activities are discussed. (25 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Instrument for locating students with suspected learning disabilities: a quantitative approach

The instrument to locate students with learning disabilities was developed to create equality and uniformity, so that such difficulties could be spotted independently of socialization factors, teachers and parents to whom the student had been exposed. The instrument was developed on the basis of research that defines the reading rate of students with reading disabilities in words per minute, the minimum number of errors for locating writing disabilities, and the number of answers and lines a student uses to reconstruct the content of a passage adapted to his or her age level. The research carried out in order to construct the instrument is the first to attempt to quantify disability, and on this basis to construct an instrument to locate students with disabilities in reading, writing and visual recall. The procedure can be carried out for a whole class in a single lesson period. One indirect conclusion from the research is that disability indicators remain with the learning disabled regardless of time since diagnosis or remedial help. Other implications related to combining the quantity component in diagnoses of degrees of difference in the disability identified, and in extra examination time for the learning disabled. The instrument should solve the problem of locating students with difficulty reading, writing or in visual recall, due to disability. Students thus identified will be directed to individual diagnosis to find out whether their difficulties are primary or secondary (e.g. a new immigrant who still has trouble with Hebrew). A personal corrective programme can then be constructed.     

When does cooperative learning increase student achievement?

Reviews research on the achievement effects of cooperative learning instructional methods, in which students work in small groups to learn academic materials. Methodologically adequate field experiments of at least 2 wks' duration in regular elementary and secondary schools indicate that among cooperative learning methods in which students study the same material together, only methods that provide group rewards based on group members' individual learning consistently increase student achievement more than control methods. Cooperative learning methods in which each group member has a unique subtask have positive achievement effects only if group rewards are provided. Group rewards and individual accountability are held to be essential to the instructional effectiveness of cooperative learning methods. (48 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The strategic content learning approach to promoting self-regulated learning: A report of three studies.

This article reports findings from three studies investigating the efficacy of an instructional model designed to promote self-regulation, the Strategic Content Learning (SCL) approach. Participants were post-secondary students with learning disabilities who ranged in age from 19 to 48 years. Each study comprised multiple in-depth case studies (total N?=?34) embedded within a pre-posttest design. Students were provided with individualized SCL tutoring for two to three hours per week during at least one semester. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence converged to reveal consistent improvements across time in students' metacognitive knowledge about key self-regulated processes, perceptions of task-specific efficacy, attributional patterns, task performance, and strategic approaches to tasks. Students were also found to transfer strategic approaches across contexts and tasks. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)