Interesting piece from Academe Today (Chron of Higher Educ) MAGAZINES & JOURNALS A glance at the August 25 issue of "The New Republic": A new learning-disabled generation Three federal disability laws enacted over two decades have helped federal courts protect "even the most dubious claims of learning impairment," writes Ruth Shalit. Today, people with serious physical handicaps make up only a small portion of those who claim special privileges under the disability laws, Ms, Shalit writes. Meanwhile, the ranks of those looking for special education accommodations are swelling. Boston University President Jon Westling's crusade against suspected fraudulent cases of learning disabilities at the institution, which led to a lawsuit by a group of students, has provided support for those who are skeptical of the demands being placed on colleges to alter their academic programs to help students with learning disabilities. In one case, a psychologist said a student "appears to have subtle verbal processing difficulties" and should not be "asked to recall very specific data or information." Still, Ms. Shalit concludes, despite evidence that even bright students have difficulty with some subjects, a number of organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Education Testing Service, are considering expanding accommodations they give to learning-disabled students. (The magazine can be found at newsstands and libraries.) ********************************* Norman A. Stahl, Chair Department of Curriculum & Instruction Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115 Telephone: (815) 753-9032 {office} (815) 753-9040 (FAX) Email: [log in to unmask]