ACLD (Association for Children With Learning Disabilities) - R and D (Research and Demonstration) Project - Final Report

• NCJ Number: 77729
• Author(s): D Crawford D
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 187 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-JN-99-0021
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: Assoc for Children With Learning Disabilities
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes the first 2 years of a project to conduct and evaluate a program providing remedial instruction to youths who were both adjudicated delinquent and classified as learning disabled.

Abstract

The program was part of an overall project designed to investigate the link between learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency in view of the inconclusiveness of the available evidence on the subject. The remediation program was conducted at three sites: Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Phoenix, Ariz. The remediation program was based on an academic treatment model and included remediation of academic skills, continued learning in spite of low skill level, and positive movement and modification in self-concept. The program was implemented for most clients by November 1, 1977. Data were gathered on 40 Phoenix clients, 30 Indianapolis clients, and 17 Baltimore clients. Clients were in remediation for an average time of 7 months. They usually received 2 remedial sessions each lasting 50 minutes for every week of the remediation period. When pretested, the juveniles ranged from 12 to 16 years of age. Average age at the start of remediation was 15.6 years. At the conclusion of the initial grant period, most were between ages 17 and 18.6. Data were gathered on progress in such skills as word identification, word comprehension, numeration, and basic mathematical operations. Results indicated significant progress in the basic skill areas, as well as some progress in the more abstract skill areas. A major problem area was the age of the clients and their lack of assistance for learning disabilities during their elementary school years. As a result, severe emotional problems were present making it difficult to conduct an academic treatment model. A discussion of other administrative and to conduct an academic treatment model. A discussion of other administrative and program problems, the program plan and development, budget, extensive charts, and appendixes presenting program materials, forms, and related information are provided.