Episode 40: Language basis of reading, dyslexia, and reading comprehension with Hugh Catts
Jan 15, 2022
auto_awesome
Expert Hugh Catts discusses dyslexia, reading comprehension, and language basis. Highlights include the Iowa study linking dyslexia to language impairments, tools for predicting reading problems, and early identification to prevent reading disabilities. Emphasizes research on language basis of reading, implementing research in practice, and collaboration with stakeholders. Also touches on 'Ghost Map' book, reading habits, and the evolution of reading experience.
Close relationship between specific language impairments and dyslexia detected in Iowa study.
Early identification of at-risk children for reading difficulties crucial for effective intervention and support.
Deep dives
Research in Language and Reading
Researcher Hugh Katz discusses key findings from his work on the language basis of reading, dyslexia detection, and reading comprehension. Katz's focus on the Iowa study, a large longitudinal project, led to insights on the overlap of dyslexia and specific language impairments. Findings revealed that a significant percentage of children identified with SLI also qualified as dyslexic, emphasizing the close relationship between language difficulties and word reading challenges.
Early Identification and Predictive Factors
The Iowa study's extensive data collection allowed for the analysis of longitudinal data spanning kindergarten to eighth grade, providing insights into early identification of children at risk for reading difficulties. Katz emphasized the importance of considering factors like family history, language development, and phonological awareness to predict future word reading problems by analyzing a variety of risk factors.
Developing Screening Tools for Dyslexia
Hugh Katz's involvement in the Reach Every Reader project with Harvard and the Zuckerberg Foundation focuses on creating screening assessments for identifying children at risk for reading and language impairments. The project aims to develop efficient screening tools that leverage early measures of language abilities alongside word reading to predict future reading challenges.
Implementation Challenges in Reading Comprehension
Insights from the LARC and Reach Every Reader studies underscore the complexity of improving reading comprehension outcomes. Katz highlights the need to align research with practical school settings, emphasizing the importance of implementing research findings effectively to positively impact reading instruction and student outcomes.