Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia

Research Projects

We leverage our interdisciplinary team of researchers to combine methods and techniques from a variety of areas including behavioral measures and paper-and-pencil assessments, online assessments, archival analysis of existing records, biological markers, and neurophysiology through the use of our 64 channel EEG suite. Our team’s deep knowledge and experience allows us to adopt existing methodologies and techniques as well as develop novel approaches and methodologies to address research questions in our areas of study. Currently, projects conducted through the Center for Dyslexia Research Laboratory fall within one or more of three major areas.

Research Participants Needed

Are you the parent or caregiver of a school-aged child (kindergarten – 12th grade) who has previously experienced or is currently experiencing reading difficulties? We want to hear from you!

Researchers at the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia are seeking parents and caregivers of school-aged children (kindergarten through 12^th grade) who have previously experienced or are currently experiencing reading difficulties for a research study. The purpose of the study is to gain a deeper understanding of families’ experiences when navigating the processes of screening for reading difficulties, identification of reading disability, and accessing supports and services for their children.

Participation includes completing an online survey (approximately 25-30 minutes) asking you to describe your experiences. Every reasonable effort will be made by the researcher to preserve your confidentiality except in cases where the researcher is obligated legally to report specific incidents that might violate currently established laws. There are no more than minimal risks associated with participation. There are no direct benefits associated with participation; however, by participating in this research, you will give important insights that may contribute to meaningful change for students and their families.

All participants may enter to win one of five $25 Amazon gift cards!

Take the Survey

Contact Information

Principal Investigator: Perihan “Gamze” Mert | pgm2u@mtmail.mt.mtsu

Faculty Advisor: Karen F. Kehoe, Ph.D. | (615) 494-8885 | karen.kehoe@mtsu.edu

Study Details

This study, titled, Exploring Parents’ Journeys in Dyslexia Identification and Support, has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Middle Tennessee State University, under protocol number IRB-FY2025-177. For additional information about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact the MTSU Office of Compliance at (615) 494-8918 or via email at: irb_information@mtsu.edu (https://www.mtsu.edu/irb)

Thank you for considering participation in this study!

Classification and Identification

These projects focus on understanding potential differences amongst individuals as they relate to reading abilities and learning to read. Classification projects address research questions such as:

How do we identify individuals with reading difficulties?
How do we differentiate between individuals who struggle with reading?
Does an understanding of an individuals strengths and weaknesses inform instructional planning?

Instructional Methods

These projects focus on understanding how best to deliver instruction to individuals in order to help them learn to read. Instructional projects address research questions such as:

What components of instruction are crucial to helping an individual with dyslexia and related learning differences learn to read?
How can instruction be delivered to maximize learning outcomes?
What skills do poor responders struggle to develop across childhood?

Current Instructional Methods Projects

Instructional Components to Effective Intensive Intervention
Multisensory Language Intervention

Teacher Training

These projects focus on understanding how to teach the people who work with struggling readers to help them to learn to read. Teacher training projects address research questions such as:

What kinds of knowledge are needed in order to be an effective instructor for individuals with dyslexia?
What is the impact of instruction coaching and practicum experiences?
How can technology be leveraged to support and enhance teacher training?

Current Teacher Training Projects

Arkansas State Wide Teacher Training Initiative
AIM Institute Digital Wave
IMSLEC Efficacy Study