Integrated reading and attention help for kids with reading and attention challenges
Official title: Integrating Reading and Attention Practices to Maximize Learning for Students with Co-Occurring Difficulties
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11389615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program called SPARK combines reading and attention strategies to help 3rd–5th graders who struggle with both reading and attention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115003-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are 3rd–5th grade students with co-occurring reading and attention difficulties who are enrolled in participating schools.
✕Less likely to help
Students without reading or attention difficulties may not benefit from this integrated approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on kids in Grades 3–5 who have both reading difficulties and attention problems. Researchers will blend evidence-based reading interventions with attention-support strategies in a single, unified program called SPARK. The goal is to see if this integrated approach improves reading outcomes more than traditional reading-only methods, using classroom settings and real-world school data. The study is led by Harvard University and will involve active follow-up through multiple school terms to monitor progress. Participation would involve implementing the SPARK program with students and collecting data on reading performance and attention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SPARK could lead to more effective reading interventions that also help students manage attention, improving academic and long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest combining supports can help some students, but this is a novel, integrated approach for this specific population.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Capin, Philip — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Capin, Philip
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.