Examining the Word-Level Skill and Reading Comprehension Profiles of Adolescents With and Without Specific Learning Disabilities
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Richmond, Cassidi L.; Daucourt, Mia C.; Hart, Sara A.; Solari, Emily J.
- Source
- Learning Disability Quarterly; August 2024, Vol. 47 Issue: 3 p167-181, 15p
- Subject
- Language
- ISSN
- 07319487
This study examined the heterogeneity of literacy profiles for adolescents with and without a specific learning disability (SLD) in the U.S. state of Florida Student subgroups displaying common patterns of performance in word-level skills and reading comprehension were identified through latent profile analysis. Results indicate most of the total sample demonstrated below-average performance in one or both areas with word-level skill difficulties being more common than difficulties in reading comprehension alone. Changes in reading performance by profile over time (Grades 6–8) were examined through a latent transition analysis revealing consistent patterns in the SLD sample and variable patterns in the typically developing sample. Resulting profiles were utilized to predict performance on an end-of-year broad reading comprehension measure indicating very little change in performance over time. Findings suggest large numbers of adolescents with concurrent word-level and reading comprehension difficulties likely need sustained intervention in word-level skills to support their reading comprehension.