Understanding Cognitive-Academic Bidirectionality in Math Learning Disabilities

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age6-8
SponsorVanderbilt University

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effects of an innovative intervention designed to improve math skills in first graders at risk for math disabilities. The main questions the trial aims to answer are:

* Does combining a math word problem solving intervention with a working memory intervention improve math to a greater extent than the same math intervention without cognitive training? * Do the findings provide evidence for bidirectional effects on development? In other words, does working memory support math learning and does math learning support working memory development?

Screening for eligibility will take place in two testing sessions. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

1. One treatment group will receive a validated treatment for math word problem solving plus computerized working memory training. 2. Another treatment group will receive the same validated math treatment plus computerized reading instruction. 3. A control group will receive the conventional school math program, including any additional school-provided intervention.

Participants in both treatment groups will receive 35 minutes of tutoring three times per week for 15 weeks.

Children who are selected to participate in the study will be tested once before this project's intervention begins; twice after intervention starts; twice after intervention ends; and once near the end of second grade to see how long effects last.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Attends a participating school in the Metropolitan-Nashville Public Schools

Is a member of a first-grade classroom whose teacher has agreed to let his/her students participate

Has the available school schedule to participate

Scores below the 30th percentile on the study's screening math test

Disqualifiers

None

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Coordinated Treatment
  • Math Treatment

Treatment groups

300 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

Vanderbilt University

Lead sponsor

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator