Researchers at Florida State University are collaborating with Ventris Learning based in Wisconsin to introduce innovative tools into elementary school settings that will assist educators in recognizing children who may face challenges in reading.

The institution has obtained a license for sophisticated screening evaluations created by scholars Yaacov Petscher and Hugh Catts as part of the Reach Every Reader initiative, supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

“Drs. Petscher and Catts are passionate researchers devoted to enhancing the resources that support our students and teachers on their educational paths,” remarked Valerie Landrio McDevitt, associate vice president for strategic partnerships and innovation. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ventris Learning to place this tool in the hands of educators who are directly assisting children in their reading journey.”

The evaluations utilize computer games as a rapid method to assess whether a young student is at risk of becoming a struggling reader.

“It is crucial that this assessment takes place in the early years of schooling to avert reading difficulties and related psycho-social effects,” stated Catts, a long-standing member of the School of Communication Science and Disorders.

Petscher, an associate director at the Florida Center for Reading Research, mentioned that the capacity to identify issues in students early on and support teachers in making instructional choices can significantly influence a child’s educational trajectory.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of translational science is the ability to progress from theory to data to practical applications and implement it in the real world to make an impact,” Petscher noted. “Our evaluations equip teachers with crucial information to make timely decisions regarding which students might gain more from specific types of reading instruction or interventions.”

Ventris is particularly emphasizing assessments in three essential areas of literacy—phonological awareness, word recognition, and non-word recognition. The organization is incorporating additional technology to ensure that schools can effectively utilize the tool developed by FSU researchers for making tailored decisions based on student performance in the assessment.

“One of the delights of being in this field is creating resources that benefit teachers and students,” stated Steve Tardrew, vice president of product development at Ventris. “That’s the exhilarating part of this. It empowers teachers as they will have quicker access to vital information regarding their students’ reading development.”

The collaborative efforts of Petscher and Catts, funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, took over five years to finalize. They devoted this time to analyzing extensive samples from schools and students across the country, focusing on the essential data teachers need for instructional decision-making.

FSU’s Commercialization team granted a license for the assessments to Ventris, facilitating the transition of this work from research to classroom application.

“We believe this assessment will be highly adaptable,” commented Robert Meyer, CEO of Ventris Learning. “It will be utilized not only by teachers but also by reading specialists, reading coaches, and speech-language therapists.”

Reading scores among U.S. students have shown a consistent decline over the past decade. In 2024, less than one-third of students nationwide achieved proficient levels in reading for both grades 4 and 8 on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Catts and Petscher have partnered at the Florida Center for Reading Research for the last decade. The mission of FCRR is to enhance reading and related skills throughout individuals’ lives.

Ventris aims to have the product available in classrooms via their platform by early 2026.

The post FSU partners with Ventris Learning to boost reading outcomes appeared first on Florida State University News.