College of Education and Behavioral Sciences - News Release
September 1, 2005
Greg Wochos, School of Professional Psychology Doctoral Student Wins National Association of School Psychologists’ Research Award
Gregory C. Wochos, a Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences’ School of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education has been awarded the Graduate Student Research Award by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for 2005. One award is given each year. NASP is one of the two largest organizations of psychologists in the United States. Wochos’ research will investigate the effectiveness of a supplemental computer-based reading program entitled Headsprout Early Reading, with struggling first grade readers who are at risk for a reading disability. Mr. Wochos has already conducted a 12-week intervention in a Northern Colorado public elementary school, using Headsprout Early Reading, as a supplemental instructional tool, with Curriculum Based Measurement activities to monitor progress. The goal of his research is to build the evidence base of early childhood reading interventions while utilizing computer-based technology as a means of addressing personnel shortages and resource constraints. Moreover, this research focuses on primary prevention of developmental dyslexia that may be used to support the recently offered Response to Intervention model. This pilot study is part of Mr. Wochos’ dissertation. A related computerized intervention study, based on the dissertation of school psychology graduate Dr. Michael Tincup, won the Applied Neuroscience Paper of the Year award at the recent American Psychological Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.