Computer-Based Assessment of Cognitive Processes Supporting Reading in Polish Primary School Children

Reading proficiency is a critical skill acquired during primary education, essential for academic success and lifelong learning. Early identification of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, is pivotal to providing timely interventions that prevent long-term academic challenges. This study introduces the Easy to Assemble Screening Test (EAST), a scalable, computer-based tool designed to identify key predictors of reading ability in Polish primary school children. The study involved 413 children across grades 1-8 and assessed reading ability using seven tasks targeting phonological, orthographic, and attentional skills. Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) analysis identified orthographic sensitivity (OSP), letter-sound integration (LS), and auditory attention (AA) as significant predictors across all grades. For younger children (grades 1-2), the Dyslexia Risk Scale (DRS) emerged as a robust predictor, highlighting its potential for early dyslexia risk identification. In older children (grades 3-8), developmental shifts emphasized fluency and automaticity, with OSP reaction times and AA accuracy becoming key predictors.EAST's findings align closely with traditional diagnostic methods, validating its utility in school settings. The inclusion of questionnaire-based and task-based measures, such as the DRS, strengthens its versatility as a screening tool. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and a small sample of formally diagnosed dyslexia cases, which necessitate further longitudinal and larger-scale studies.EAST demonstrates promise as a transformative tool in education, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for early literacy assessment. Its potential to democratize access to dyslexia screening and support improved literacy outcomes underscores its significance in advancing educational equity.