Why some 4th graders benefit more from reading programs
An Integrated Data Approach to Exploring Variability in Reading Intervention Effectiveness
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11383480
This project looks across many reading programs to learn why some 4th-grade students—especially Black children—make bigger reading gains than others.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11383480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are combining student-level data from many rigorous reading programs to look for patterns in who benefits most. Researchers will pool past trial and classroom data and use statistical methods to examine differences by race, attention, age, and other background factors. There is special focus on understanding outcomes for Black 4th-grade students, who have been underrepresented in prior research and often read below grade level. The team aims to identify program features and student characteristics linked to better reading gains so schools can better match supports to children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 4th-grade students who struggle with reading or are considered at risk for reading disability, especially Black children.
Not a fit: Students who are not in elementary grades, who already read at proficient levels, or who are outside the U.S. datasets used may not see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help schools target reading supports so more children—particularly Black students—improve their reading and long-term opportunities.
How similar studies have performed: Many targeted reading programs have improved skills in individual trials, but pooling data across studies to clarify who benefits most is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TOSTE, JESSICA R. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: TOSTE, JESSICA R.
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.