Dr. Julie MastersonCollege of Health and Human ServicesCommunication Sciences and Disorders |
I. Focus of Research
My work focuses on a multilinguistic model of word-level reading and spelling. The model describes the need to use knowledge about sounds (phonology), spelling patterns (orthography), meaning (semantics, morphology) to decode and spell words and how these knowledge areas contribute to the storage of words in one’s mental lexicon. My research partners and I have published scientific papers as well as clinical/instructional materials for assessment and intervention in this area. Our premise is that the ways in which an individual spells words can be used to determine what s/he knows or does not know about word-level literacy. This, in turn, can be used to develop instructional goals and methods that are optimal for an individual or group of students. Our model has been used to explain word-level skills in individuals with disabilities as well as people whose native language is not interest. I am currently working with partners in Canada and Australia to adjust the ways in which spellings are analyzed to reflect differences in English pronunciations and spellings. I have consulted with school districts regarding optimal literacy practices and provided workshops for speech-language pathologists, teachers, and other professionals in 32 different states, Canada and Australia.
II. Major Projects
Use of multilinguistic model in literacy intervention for students with special needs (1999–present)
Use of multilinguistic model in literacy intervention for students in regular education classrooms (2006–present)
Design and dissemination of assessment software, Spelling Evaluation for Language and Literacy (SPELL)(2001 [v.1], 2006 [v.2], 2009 [grouping option])
Design and dissemination of word-study curriculum, Spell Links to Reading and Writing (2004)
Co-authored Beyond Baby Talk: A Parent’s Complete Guide to Language Development (2001, currently working on second edition, to be published by Random House, Fall, 2012)
Design and piloting of the Developmental Tests of Reading Fluency and Spelling (2009–present)
III. Future Directions of Research
I will continue the work on the multilinguistic model of word-level reading and spelling, focusing on establishing best practices for assessment and intervention.
IV. Topics related to your research and of interest to the broad University Community, for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations.
Best practices for spelling and reading instruction
Home practices for optimal language and literacy development