As a mum of three dyslexic children, I know how hard school can be for dyslexics.
Last September the JCQ relaxed access arrangements for a reader and very few people seem to know about it. I’ve been telling everybody I know.
Yesterday a fellow mum asked if I’d posted this on Mum’s Net I was sad to say it hadn’t occurred to me. Now it has, here goes…
I’d like to share some facts with you. I will keep them high level but am happy to answer questions.
FACT 1
Students with dyslexia are disadvantaged by our current exam system. www.independent.co.uk/voices/dyslexia-gcses-a-level-exam-digital-submission-papers-spelling-a9068596.html
FACT 2
Reasonable adjustments or access arrangements are put in place to address this disadvantage, one of which is having a reader in exams.
FACT 3
Two different types of readers can be used in exams
- Human - These cannot read exams papers that are testing a candidates ability to read.
- Computer - These can be used in all exams (including comprehension texts) as they are classed as ‘independent’ work.
FACT 4
Having text read aloud for dyslexic students that struggle significantly with reading could greatly improve their grades in any examination.
It is particularly helpful for dyslexic students taking exams where reading is being tested (for example, English language GCSE). Without these qualifications a student’s options in Further or Higher education are extremely limited.
FACT 5
From 1 September 2019 , the JCQ year have made it more straightforward for dyslexics to get a reader/computer reader for exams. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/news/jcq-changes-makes-it-more-straight-forward-for-dyslexics-to-get-a-reader-computer-reader-for-exams
FACT 6
Using the computer reader takes training and practice. Students need to be accustomed to having text read aloud. It needs to be a student’s normal way of working.
FACT 7
Despite every school in the country having dyslexics and other students who would benefit from a computer reader, in 2019 will only 7000 schools utilised this access arrangement.
It’s worth finding out whether your child’s school has the facility to use computer readers in exams. If not we need to help them to see the advantages.
FACT 8
The reasons why schools are not utilising this potentially life transforming functionality are numerous. Please forgive this quick oversimplification.
Schools want their students to do the best they can in exams so they are understandably reluctant to introduce any new technology that could potentially not work, causing great anxiety on the exams day. Staff and student training is required to ensure these concerns are met.
Some schools have ample devices for students to use in exams, but they need to be trained to know how simple, reliable and cost-effective computer readers are to use.
Others simply don’t have enough devices to supply the students that need computer readers. As a result, funding rather than the individual student’s needs determine the support they receive, which is not right.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Please share it with anyone who might benefit.
If like me, you are disappointed by the number of schools utilising computer readers let’s put our heads together to figure out how to change this and give all students the opportunity to achieve.