Executive function and reading and math in children
Official title: Examination of the Role of Executive Function during Reading and Math in Children
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11619344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how kids aged 7–8 use executive function skills when doing reading and math tasks and how their brain regions work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD111574-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11619344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 7–8 years, enrolled in school, with or without early reading or math difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the 7–8 age range or without related learning challenges may not directly benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how domain-general and domain-specific executive function skills are recruited during reading and math tasks in 7- to 8-year-old children. They will map brain connectivity related to these skills using brain imaging and relate it to behavioral performance in reading and math. After initial findings, they will test behavioral correlates in a larger group of children, especially focusing on those with reading or math difficulties. The study aims to better understand how EF supports or hinders early math and reading development to inform educational strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide targeted educational approaches that strengthen executive function to support reading and math learning in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown links between executive function and academic skills, with ongoing research expanding knowledge about brain connectivity in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez-Lincoln, Amanda — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Martinez-Lincoln, Amanda
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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.