Learning Disabilities Translational Science Collective: Building on the Florida LDRC

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The long-range objective of the Learning Disabilities Translational Science Collective is to build on successes of the Florida Learning Disabilities Research Center to explicitly address the research to practice gap associated with the identification and treatment of children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) in word reading and reading comprehension. The Center is organized around the translational science continuum and the concept of multi-disciplinary team science as a necessary approach to tackle complex public health problems such as the study of SLD. To date, much of the research conducted in SLD classification and treatment has not included samples that mirror the diversity of the country, raising questions of applicability of existing research findings to diverse student populations. This Center has four research projects and three cores (administrative, data management, and engagement) that work synergistically to address applied research questions about SLD with diverse student samples. The research projects represent the translational science continuum (T1-T4). Project 1 addresses identification, classification, and risk prediction of SLD. Project 2 (high risk) investigates the genetic and environmental influence on the responsiveness to intervention for children who show early signs of reading risk. Project 3 (engagement) uses an implementation science approach to better understand how to develop sustainable process for assessment systems in authentic school settings. Project 4 will utilize population level screening data to better understand classification systems at scale. Every project addresses the required theme of a substantial emphasis on diverse participants and has embedded plans to engage early career researchers and community members to enhance the translation of findings into practice.