State Initiative in Learning Disabilities

This paper describes a theoretical monograph on the definition of learning disabilities and reports an interview study of cooperative directors of special education within the State of Illinois. It is the second in a four-part series reporting Illinois' unique initiative in the area of learning disabilities. The first paper in the series (Senf & Comrey 1975) described the essential thrust of Project SCREEN, the development of a multifaceted, group screening instrument for kindergarten and first grade use. The definitional section of this paper espouses the position that learning disabilities, as a construct implying child-centered deviance, cannot long survive and that the real issue lies with the delivery of services to children experiencing difficulties in the interaction with the school rather-than in the wording of the specific definition of learning disabilities. The interview study of Illinois special education cooperative directors focused on (1) the definition of learning disabilities, screening and identification practices; (2) administrative structure of the Special Education Cooperatives; (3) models for delivering education services; and (4) the role of parent groups.