...DS9... really struggles with his reading, now school are asking for a formal assessment

[Eve]

right from reception it has been clear that he has struggled with his reading.

He has been getting lots of help at school over the years which I have no complaints about.

Now they have said they have exhausted all options with him and need a more formal assessment to determine what to do next, so they are asking for an educational pyschologist assessment.

Has anyone experienced one of these for reading problems and can advise me what to expect.

(he is OK otherwise, no behaviiour issues and above average in maths and other subjects...)

Has he had a dyslexia assessment with a specialist teacher yet?

Does he have additional difficulties (like disorganised/unco-ordinated, or hyperactive, etc?)

Just wondering why EP is going to be involved if it's "just" a literacy difficulty?

...don't think hes had the Dyslexia assessment, I have suggestred it a number of times.

No other issues with regards co-ordination, hyperactivity etc.

He just can't read or spell.. his reading age with him at 9 is 7.

I think the school want an EP involved as they have tried various strategies.. and noting is working yet.

It will be a good thing for the school to get further advice as the educational psychologist will be able to find out exactly what the problem is. You should ask to meet the ed psych after the assessment and see what they have to say as this information is important and will help you to understand what the difficulties are and how you can help him best.
I have worked with ed psychs for many years as a teacher and a special needs bod so if you want any more help or explanations let me know.

thank you peachynana .....

what are the possible issues it could be...dyslexia is one I know.. but are there any other problems that have names.

He doesn't seem to be poorly co-ordinated.. but actually, now its mentioned, he was doing air rifle shooting recently with cubs and couldn't close 1 eye to shoot....could be just a random thing

Eve, you may find the information on my webpage
'Should I have my child assessed?', useful:

www.aowm73.dsl.pipex.com/dyslexics/should_I_have.htm

Also,

www.aowm73.dsl.pipex.com/dyslexics/teenage_dyslexics.htm

...an update, parents meeting yesterday, he got a great report, polite, tries hard, well behaved, takes a great interest.

His SN teacher was there, they are still waiting on appointment for ed phy, they need that to identify best method of teaching spelling for him.

He's had dyslexia assessment and its not that.. so they are puzzled.

Big problem area is spelling,.. jsut doesn't seem to be able to hold the letters in his head!