Four studies into characteristics and instructional needs of students with learning disabilities are summarized in this article. These studies are also reviewed in the wider context of mathematics intervention research in special education. These studies generally rely on qualitative methodology, and they are best understood in light of a…

In their examination of the effectiveness of affect regulation strategies, Webb, Miles, and Sheeran (2012) offered the results of a broad meta-analysis of studies on regulatory interventions. Their analysis provides an alternative to our earlier, more focused meta-analysis of the affect regulation literature (Augustine & Hemenover, 2009).…

In a recently published meta-analysis, Tran, Sanchez, Arellano, and Swanson (2011) synthesized 13 studies that permitted assessment of characteristics of children who were adequate and inadequate responders to instruction. The authors indicated that "[t]he central question addressed in this review is whether individual differences in…

A meta-analysis by Tran, Sanchez, Arellano, and Swanson (2011) of the published RTI literature found that the magnitude of effect size (ES) between responders and low responders at posttest was significantly moderated by the pretest ES and the type of dependent measure administered, whereas no significant moderating effects were found in the mixed…

Lilienfeld, Garb, and Wood (2011) commented on our recently published meta-analysis (Poston & Hanson, 2010). In their thorough, fine-grained critique, they questioned the study's inclusion criteria, sampling, and results, suggesting the latter are "overstated" (p. 1048). Additionally, they discussed the Barnum effect, suggesting that…

In a recent article in this journal, Poston and Hanson (2010) reported a meta-analysis of 17 studies on the use of psychological assessment as a therapeutic intervention (PATI) and concluded that "psychological assessment procedures--when combined with personalized, collaborative, and highly involving test feedback--have positive, clinically…

Discusses issues inherent in the four meta-analyses of instructional interventions for students with learning disabilities conducted by Gersten and Baker, MacArthur et al; Elbaum and Vaughn, and Swanson. Considers the effects of meta-analyses in general on practice, the effect of including studies that do not meet methodological criteria, and…

This article describes conceptual and methodological limitations of existing research on the efficacy of early intervention programs. Recent studies using meta-analytic techniques to generate testable hypotheses are reviewed. Recommendations for greater precision in measurement and for improved research design are offered. (DB)

Discusses issues inherent in two meta-analyses of instructional interventions for students with learning disabilities conducted by Elbaum and Vaughn, and Swanson. Notes the value of these studies to the field of education, and summarizes important findings. (JPB)

Reviews synthesis as an important task of evaluation, putting evidence together for a coherent assessment. Types of synthesis are described from the case of two variables to more complex situations, ending with metanalysis. Syntheses help identify common patterns and regularities and can help progress toward positive social change. (SLD)

Discusses issues inherent in two meta-analyses of instructional interventions for students with learning disabilities conducted by Gersten and Baker, and MacArthur et al. Issues include word recognition, technology and text comprehension, electronic enhancements, technology and writing, insufficiency of writing intervention research, and inclusion…

When the editors of The Voice of Evidence in Reading Research, Ms. McCardle and Ms. Chhabra, decided to edit a book and to invite authors to contribute to it, they wanted it to be a book for teachers. As stated in the first chapter, their motivation was to empower teachers to judge research worthiness for themselves. They feel that it is important…

Evidence of the efficacy of developmental therapy is examined through a literature review of meta-analytic and single-subject research. Future research directions for evaluating the effectiveness of early physical therapy and occupational therapy are discussed, such as criterion-referenced outcome measures and functional outcome measures.…

In the context of a discussion of the use of meta-analysis techniques, two articles take issue with the findings of Casto and Mastropieri concerning effects of early intervention, in particular age-at-start parent involvement, conceptual and methodological problems. The authors of the original article provide rebuttals to the critiques. (JW)