For many children, learning to read is an enjoyable, even thrilling adventure; they put the pieces together without seeming regard to the teaching approach used. For others, the experience can be intimidating and exasperating. And although eager parents and teachers try everything they can to help, their efforts fall short. Addressing the frustration experienced by otherwise bright children who have difficulty with reading and other academic pursuits is one of the main purposes of the Roberts Center for Learning and Literacy.

The complexity of early literacy has inspired a baffling collection of debate and research in recent years. The point on which researchers agree is the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. This provision of early diagnosis and effective interventions is also a driving force behind the Roberts Center. Consequently, the Roberts Center exists to provide Florida Southern College students, area teachers and parents, and other interested community participants, with access to the best research and most effective strategies to help discouraged young students become successful readers and writers.