ABSTRACT
Decision making is a critical element in creating individualized programs—a cornerstone of special education. The decision process combines elements of knowledge, wisdom, and experience. Meta-analysis, as a form of evaluation, can contribute to knowledge by aiding decisions about the worth of an intervention. The meta-analytic findings regarding the benefits of psycholinguistic training for the expressive constructs subtests were encouraging—particularly for verbal expression and, to a lesser extent, the representational level. A fundamental activity in special education is decision making; particularly, about the best practices to include in remedial activities. Decision making must place a premium on objectivity and evidential test, and these features are what distinguish it from other forms of opinion and belief. The treatment of ADHD presents an interesting decision process. Research evidence overwhelmingly reveals stimulant medication to be effective but is undermined by powerful ideological and ethical attacks.
