Early screening for children's language and reading skills
Project 4- Population level language and literacy screening: An early warning system for word and language related reading disabilities (T4)
This project uses early language and reading checks for preschool and early elementary children to spot who may later have trouble with word reading and language.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a parent's view, the project pulls together routine language and early literacy screenings across whole school populations and combines them with local community information to identify children at risk for word-level reading disabilities like dyslexia. Researchers will test different ways of defining 'risk' to see which early signs best predict later reading or language diagnoses. They will also gather numbers and interviews to understand whether and how teachers use the screening results to change instruction. The aim is to create a practical early warning system that fits into schools and helps direct support to children who need it most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are preschool and early elementary children (roughly ages 3–8) in participating school districts, especially those showing early language or pre-reading concerns.
Not a fit: Children older than the early elementary years or those whose primary challenges are reading comprehension rather than word-level decoding may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help children get targeted support earlier, reducing reading difficulties and improving school performance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows early language and literacy screenings can predict later reading problems, but adding community factors and studying teacher uptake is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solari, Emily J. — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Solari, Emily J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.