# Classification, Definition, and Integration of Learning Disabilities Research

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON · 2021 · $134,703

## Abstract

The overarching theme of Project 1 (Integration) is integration, with the following objectives: (a) to continue
research on the classification and identification of children with learning disabilities (LDs) using statistical
simulation and real data (b) to extend this work to English learners (Els), and (c) to expand the use of meta-
analysis and extend previous syntheses to co-morbid disabilities and to Els. The activities integrate research
across projects, approaches, frameworks, settings, and populations. With this overarching purpose of
Integration and these stated objectives, Project 1 has three specific aims. Specific Aim 1 (Classification and
Identification) addresses the challenges inherent in the identification and classification of LDs, targeting a
historical mismatch permeating the literature between approach (dimensional) and framework (categorical).
Project 1 seeks to investigate the inherent nature of LDs as either dimensional or non-dimensional while
moving beyond current approaches to identification to develop and evaluate new approaches that overcome
the known problems with existing approaches. Aim 1 draws on simulated data and actual data from Projects 2-
4 in the prior and current awards, and Projects 1 (Classification) and 3 (Remediation) from the first award. New
methods include (a) latent variable models appropriate for categorical and dimensional frameworks, and (b) a
reframing of RTI in terms of expected magnitude of response to instruction, consistent with a dimensional view
of LDs. We expect to find support for our reconceptualization of RTI in terms of expected magnitude of
response that is consistent with ideas from personalized medicine as applied to student learning and
instruction. In addition, application of these methods to a large sample of Els will address fundamental
questions of how to identify LDs in Els with persistent academic difficulties. Specific Aim 2 (External Validity of
Identification Methods) addresses the validity of the identification and classification methods developed and
tested under Aim 1. Using data collected under Projects 2 (Attention), 4 (Neuroimaging), and 5 (Epigenetics),
we will compare children from Project 3 (Intervention) identified using different methods under Aim 1 on
measures of attention, written expression, math, and other domains, including measures of neural response
and epigenetics. We will also work with Project 4 (Neuroimaging) to develop a measure of neural specificity to
use in external validation of identifications and to characterize RTI. Specific Aim 3 (Synthesis) continues and
expands our work on empirical synthesis from the previous five years. We propose to undertake meta-analytic
work addressing (a) the history of LD identification drawing on our prior 100 year review (Scammacca, et al.,
2016), (b) predictors of intervention response in comorbid disabilities; (c) cognitive similarities and differences
between comorbid and singular disabilities, including multipl...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10104532
- **Project number:** 5P50HD052117-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID J. FRANCIS
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $134,703
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-06-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10104532

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10104532, Classification, Definition, and Integration of Learning Disabilities Research (5P50HD052117-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10104532. Licensed CC0.

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