Learning Disabilities: Characteristics, Identification, and Teaching Strategies » (6th Edition)

This edition presents guidelines for using Response to Intervention (RTI) as an eligibility tool as well as differentiated instruction for the general education class. Detailed coverage of the most up-to-date classroom practices, the latest research, and critical issues are also presented.

Using the author's more than 27 years of experience in working with children and adolescents who have learning disabilities, the Sixth Edition of Learning Disabilities presents the latest research and information on LD in each developmental area. It focuses on identification and eligibility issues, incorporating the newly released rules and regulations on RTI, IDEA 2004, and the No Child Left Behind legislation. The text also stresses both the characteristics of students with learning disabilities as well as classroom-tested instructional strategies. With up-to-date content, this practical guide also offers insight into practical educational concerns from a teacher's perspective, as well as the relevant scholarship.

section I

Introduction to Learning Disabilities

chapter one

Changing Definitions of Learning Disabilities

Introduction

The Complex History of Learning Disabilities

The Clinical Phase: Early Evolution of the Field

The Classroom Transition Phase: Moving into the School Setting

The Consolidation Phase: The Field Becomes Unified

The Expansion Phase: Services Widen

The Retrenchment Phase

Emerging Theoretical Views

The Revitalization Phase: The Future of Learning Disabilities

A Theoretical Basis for Learning Disabilities

Components of the Current Definitions of Learning Disabilities

Who Are These Kids?

Questions and Activities

References

chapter two

Medical Aspects of Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Medical and Educational Models

Learning and the Nervous System

Etiology of Learning Disabilities

Medical Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities

Medical Treatments for Learning Problems

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

chapter three

Cognition and Language Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Intelligence

Attention

Memory and Children with Learning Disabilities

Learning Style

Study of Language

Pragmatics: Language in Context

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

chapter four

Personality and Social Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Personality, Risky Behavior, and Self-Determination

Social Development of Children with Learning Disabilities

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

chapter five

Assessment of Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Broad Purposes of Assessment

Assessment for Eligibility Decisions

Sample Eligibility Reports

Assessment for Instruction

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

section II Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities

chapter six

Learning Characteristics in Reading and Language Arts

Introduction

Reading Difficulties of Students with Learning Disabilities

Conceptualization of Reading Skills

Word Recognition and Comprehension

Reading Fluency

Reading Comprehension

Instructional Strategies for Improving Comprehension

Writing Skills

Whole-Language Instruction

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

chapter seven

Learning Characteristics in Math

Introduction

Cognitive Abilities and Math Skills

Types of Math Learning Disabilities

Math Curriculum Standards

Curriculum-Based Assessment in Mathematics

Prognosis in Mathematics

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER EIGHT

Students with Learning Disabilities in the Classroom

Introduction

Adaptive Behavior of Children with Learning Disabilities

Cognitive Characteristics of Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

Social and Emotional Characteristics in Secondary Classrooms

Summary of Educational Characteristics of Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

Adolescents with Learning Disabilities in Secondary School

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

section III Placement, Services,
and Educational Treatments

CHAPTER NINE

Educational Placements and Services

Introduction

Self-Contained Classes

Resource Rooms

Inclusion

Issues in Placement

Specialized Instructional Strategies

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER TEN

Behavioral Treatment Interventions

Introduction

Common Ground among Behavioral Treatments

Positive Behavioral Supports

Techniques Involving Negative Consequences

Summary of Behavioral Interventions

Specialized Behavioral Strategies

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Metacognitive Instructional Approaches for Students with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Metacognitive Model of Learning

Other Metacognitive Strategies

Reciprocal Teaching

Scaffolded Instruction

Self-Monitoring

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER TWELVE

Technology for Persons with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Technology Applications

Multimedia-Enhanced Learning

Instructional Applications of the Internet

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Adults with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Characteristics of Youth and Adults with Learning Disabilities

Vocational Opportunities

College Opportunities for Youth with Learning Disabilities

Summary

Questions and Activities

References

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Issues in the Future of Learning Disabilities

Introduction

No Child Left Behind: New Issues in Education

Co-occurring Disorders

Subtyping Research

Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Implications of Brain-Compatible Research

Teaching in the Field of Learning Disabilities

Professional Improvement

An Uncertain Future and a Challenge

Questions and Activities

References

Appendix

Objectives for the IEPs of Students with Learning Disabilities

Glossary

Name Index

Subject Index