A Merger of Categories

Abstract

This article examines the background and current status o f attempts to define the term “learning disabilities,” and concludes that resolution of the problem by continued search for a consummate definition of LD is unrealistic. An alternate procedure is outlined: The focus is on description of essential school problems which lead to referral, and determination through a staffing conference whether the problems require special education services. A merger of the categories of learning disabilities, emotional disturbance (as represented by behavior disorders in the schools), and educable mental retardation is proposed, and an experimental state reimbursement system for special education services based on such a merger is outlined.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adelman, H.S. : Learning problems: An interactional view of causality (Part I). Acad. Ther., 1970, 6, 117–123.

Bracht, G.H. : Experimental factors related to aptitude-treatment interactions. Rev. Educ. Res., 1970, 40, 627–645.

Bryan, T.H. : Learning disabilities: A new stereotype. J. Learning Disabil., 1974, 7, 304–309.

Cruickshank, W.M. : Some issues facing the field of learning disability. J. Learning Disabil., 1972, 5, 380–388.

Forness, S.R. : Implications of recent trends in educational labeling. J. Learning Disabil., 1974, 7, 445–449.

Gearhart, B.R. : Learning Disabilities: Educational Strategies. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1973.

Gillespie, P.H. , Miller, T.L. , and Fiedler, V.D. : Legislative definitions of learning disabilities: Roadblocks to effective service. J. Learning Disabil., 1975, 8, 659–666.

Hartman, R.K. : Differential diagnosis: Assets and liabilities. J. Spec. Educ, 1973, 7, 393–397.

Kass, C.E. , and Myklebust, H.R. : Learning disability: An educational definition. J. Learning Disabil., 1969, 2, 377–379.

10.

Kirk, S.A. : Educating Exceptional Children. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1972.

11.

Lilly, M.S. : Special education: A teapot in a tempest. Exceptional Child., 1970, 37, 43–49.

12.

Lovitt, T.C. : Assessment of children with learning disabilities. Exceptional Child., 1967, 34, 233–239.

13.

McDonald, CW. : Problems concerning the classification and education of children with learning disabilities. In J. Hellmuth (Ed.): Learning Disorders, Vol. 3. Seattle: Special Child Publ., 1968.

14.

National Advisory Committee on Handicapped Children : First Annual Report: Special Education for Handicapped Children. Washington, D.C.: US Office of Education, 1968.

15.

Reger, R. : Resource rooms: Change agents or guardians of the status quo? J. Spec. Educ, 1972, 6, 355–359.

16.

Vaughan, R. W. , and Hodges, L. : A statistical survey into a definition of learning disabilities: A search for acceptance. J. Learning Disabil., 1973, 6, 658–664.

17.

Wiederholt, J.L. : Historical perspectives on the education of the learning disabled. In L. Mann and D. Sabatino (Eds.): The Second Review of Special Education. Philadelphia: J.S.E. Press, 1974.

18.

Weintraub, F.J. , Abeson, A. , Ballard, J. , and Lavor, M.L. : Public Policy and the Education of Exceptional Children. Reston, Va.: Council for Exceptional Children, 1976.