Child Language and Literacy

What we do:

The Child Language and Literacy (CHLL) Translational Team is focused on improving early literacy and oral language skills in young children—particularly those with disabilities or from low-income homes. The team is developing mechanisms to intervene when children are very young, before they fail in school. This includes developing and testing the efficacy of a dyslexia screening tool and preschool curriculums. We are also working to expand our reach beyond urban areas by developing and delivering an effective distance-based, professional development program for teachers in rural locations.

Who we are:

Our team brings together researchers in speech and hearing, early childhood education, and language pathology, along with K-12 educators and other community partners to both train teachers in screening and intervention as well as improving children’s language and literacy.

Why it’s important: 

Only 62 percent of students with learning disabilities graduate from high school in the U.S., with rates as low as 23 percent in some states. The long-term effects of dropping out of school include limited employment opportunities linked to poor health outcomes and lower life expectancy. Individuals with low literacy have difficulty understanding medical brochures, prescription drug information, and informed consent for medical procedures, all of which can impact their health and wellness.

Leadership