Paula Clarke

Dr. Paula Clarke is an Associate Professor in Psychological Approaches to Childhood and Inclusive Education at the University of Leeds, School of Education. She also serves as Director of Research and Innovation and Programme Leader for the MA Special Educational Needs. Her expertise spans reading comprehension, literacy interventions, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a focus on inclusive education and neurodiversity. Clarke holds a BSc (1st class) in Psychology from the University of York and a PhD in Psychology, followed by postdoctoral research on reading development. She transitioned to education in 2009, contributing to interdisciplinary research and pedagogy.

Her research emphasizes evidence-based interventions, such as the 'Dynamic Assessment of Reading Test (DART)' and 'Books Bags and Boxes' project, funded by bodies like the Nuffield Foundation and ESRC. She explores how school libraries reduce inequality and evaluates the impact of the pandemic on early education. Clarke collaborates with organizations like the Leeds Child Development Unit and Language@Leeds, and edits journals including the British Journal of Educational Psychology and Scientific Studies of Reading.

Her teaching covers developmental psychology, inclusive education, and research methods. Current research projects include 'Connecting and Comprehending through Play' (funded by GameInLab) and 'CREATE' (ESRC/IAA). Clarke supervises doctoral researchers on topics like autism and inclusive education, and fosters interdisciplinary teams addressing literacy gaps and special needs.

Her work bridges psychology and education, advocating for methodologies that are accessible and equitable. Key themes include dynamic assessment, early reading interventions, and support for neurodiverse learners. Grants from the Arts Council, Nuffield, and others fund her projects, reflecting her commitment to practical, scalable solutions for educational challenges.