Purpose:
This paper describes methodological procedures involving execution of a
large-scale, multi-site longitudinal study of language and reading comprehension in
young children. Researchers in the Language and Reading Research Consortium
(LARRC) developed and implemented these procedures to ensure data integrity across
multiple sites, schools, and grades. Specifically, major features of our approach, as well
as lessons learned, are summarized in 10 steps essential for successful completion of a
large-scale longitudinal investigation in early grades.

Method:
Over 5 years, children in preschool through third grade were administered a
battery of 35 higher- and lower-level language, listening, and reading comprehension
measures (RCM). Data were collected from children, their teachers, and their
parents/guardians at four sites across the United States. Substantial and rigorous effort
was aimed toward maintaining consistency in processes and data management across
sites for children, assessors, and staff.

Conclusion:
With appropriate planning, flexibility, and communication strategies in
place, LARRC developed and executed a successful multi-site longitudinal research
study that will meet its goal of investigating the contribution and role of language
skills in the development of children’s listening and reading comprehension. Through
dissemination of our design strategies and lessons learned, research teams embarking
on similar endeavors can be better equipped to anticipate the challenges.