Defining mental retardation from an instructional perspective.

A definition of mental retardation developed under the aegis of the instructional paradigm was presented. Its purpose and use is to (a) clarify the task of personnel who work with persons who have been identified as mentally retarded and (b) provide a concept that unifies apparently discrete instructional constructs. This definition can also help mold the perceptual patterns of young persons entering the field by establishing expectations that focus on the provision of instruction.