EARLY LITERACY SCREENER STUDY

Reading difficulties influence the daily lives and academic success of tens of thousands of children across the United States. Early identification and intervention for these children has the potential to tackle reading difficulties early before secondary psychological implications, such low-self-esteem, can manifest. However, early and evidence-based screening for reading disabilities is not widely accessible, in part due to cost, lack of trained professionals and other resource requirements. Current digital technology provides a unique opportunity to leverage the affordances of mobile apps to support widespread screening for risk for reading disabilities.

ABOUT OUR APP

We developed a 15-20 minute app that uses a gamified, interactive storyline to assess a child on early literacy milestones that can predict subsequent reading outcome and risk to develop dyslexia. It is an easy, quick, accessible, and child-centered way to detect whether a child is at risk to develop problems with reading or developmental dyslexia. The screener is currently designed for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children. It is comprehensive, age-appropriate, and designed to be self-administered.

After a child’s testing is completed, the app will generate a score report, which produces a risk profile. The app provides evidence-based responses to address specific risk profiles.

The screener is now available through a commercial company called EarlyBird Education, co-founded by Dr. Gaab. To learn more, please visit the EarlyBird website.