The article reviews current estimation techniques and their resultant effects on the learning disability classroom's composition. An alternate estimation methodology, using z-score conversions, is presented. (Author/SBH)

Advantages of computer based evaluation approaches for handicapped students are noted and implementation factors are discussed. The computer network for special education at the DuPage/West Cook Regional Special Education Association in Lombard, Illinois is described. (CL)

Two studies compared strengths and deficiencies in the problem solving abilities of about 80 learning disabled and 110 nondisabled fifth and sixth graders using a microcomputer as an assessment tool. No significant differences in performance on problem solving tasks were found. The microcomputer is postulated as possibly responsible for this…

The authors suggest that the confusion and controversy over definitions of learning disabilities have been unproductive. They review findings on the assessment decision making process and emphasize the need for a new perspective on assessment and intervention. (CL)

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…

Issues and developmental considerations in outcome and treatment of head injury in children are considered. Focus is on appropriate assessment practices in the areas of psychoeducational development, motor and cognitive deficits, and neuropsychological deficits. (Author/DB)

As information on the cognitive functioning of learning disabled children emerges, a parallel, independent body of knowledge suggests investigating the cognitive complexity of learning disabled children, both to improve the conceptual understanding of learning disability and to support guidelines for relevant educational recommendations. (Author)

Reviews recent neuroradiologic and brain imaging techniques in the assessment of learning disability. Technologies reviewed include computerized tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; electrophysiological and metabolic imaging; computerized electroencepholographic studies of evoked potentials, event-related potentials, spectral analysis, and…

Neuropsychological assessment of cognitive and behavioral sequelae of pediatric closed head injury involves identification of manifest disabilities and relationships between these disabilities and core skills. Assessment of moderator variables is crucial for development of appropriate intervention strategies. Advocacy may be necessary to establish…

The author discusses the complex nature of assessing bilingual special education students, recommends a textbook on the topic, notes the contributions of J. Mercer's System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment, and cites the need for special educators to focus on the issue. (CL)

The article focuses on the factors that have led to the current interest in the neuropsychology of learning disorders. The validity of the neuropsychological model is examined. Research regarding the neurobiological basis of learning disorders, cerebral asymmetries, and neuropsychological assessment batteries for learning disabilities are…

This article introduces a special issue dealing with selected aspects of writing disorders. It provides an overview of following articles and issues confronting the written language field, including definitional issues, assessment issues, neurodevelopment components, brain-behavior linkages, lifespan issues, and interventions. Recommendations are…

Researchers of mathematics learning disability (MLD) commonly use cutoff scores to determine which participants have MLD. Some researchers apply more restrictive cutoffs than others (e.g., performance below the 10th vs. below the 35th percentile). Different cutoffs may lead to groups of children that differ in their profile of math and related…

The study evaluated use of a card displaying seven self-instructional questions designed to prompt students to think about their handwriting. Use of the card with two learning disabled elementary school males resulted in improved handwriting which persisted over time even after the card was no longer available. (DB)

The proposed modified definition of learning disability by the Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities, which includes social skills deficits as a specific learning disability, is presented and analyzed from primary, secondary, and social learning theory causative hypotheses. Development of an adequate assessment technology is urged.…