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Original poster

Student might have learning disorder

7 replies

Max953 · 28/02/2024 20:49

I recently started teaching at this school. I recieved marking for one of my classes. This particular student is 14 years old. I marked her essay and in plain terms, it made absolutely no sense. Her spelling was either so bad that I could not make out the word, or it seemed as if she made up her own words. It made ZERO sense. Her grammar and sentence construction was terrible as well. However, her spoken English seems acceptable for her age, I don't see any issue with that. I think there might be an issue with the connection between her thoughts and her writing. My first thought was some sort of dysgraphia, however, her handwriting is completely normal. She is very talkative in the classroom and seems to struggle on concentrating. I am not sure how to go further with this and what to look out for. If anyone can assist me with the type of learning disorder she might struggle with, how I can assess her to that disorder, and how I can potentially help her learn and improve?

OP posts:
Russooooo · 28/02/2024 21:21

I’d email the SENCO, ask if anyone else had raised concerns and if any assessments had been done.

ThanksItHasPockets · 28/02/2024 21:27

Are you in the UK?

CeciliaMars · 02/03/2024 08:29

SENCO is your obvious port of call? It sounds like dyslexia is a possibility. But the main question is, how has she got to this age and no-one has picked this stuff up? I too am wondering whether you are not in the UK. Speak to the SENCO, if there isn't one, then previous teachers and the SLT. This child obviously needs help and hasn't been getting it. It shouldn't all be up to you.

Thetraitor · 02/03/2024 10:36

Well I’d stop calling it a disorder for one

Original poster
Max953 · 03/03/2024 18:35

Thetraitor · 02/03/2024 10:36

Well I’d stop calling it a disorder for one

There are many learning disorders that kids can have, including dyslexia that effect their school work negatively. It is not a bad thing at all, but if I had an idea what to look out for, I could really help this student.

OP posts:
Original poster
Max953 · 03/03/2024 18:38

CeciliaMars · 02/03/2024 08:29

SENCO is your obvious port of call? It sounds like dyslexia is a possibility. But the main question is, how has she got to this age and no-one has picked this stuff up? I too am wondering whether you are not in the UK. Speak to the SENCO, if there isn't one, then previous teachers and the SLT. This child obviously needs help and hasn't been getting it. It shouldn't all be up to you.

I am from South Africa. I see SENCO is a UK thing? I really do wonder how she has progressed so far as I marked her test recently as well... and it is the same issues. Really terrible spelling and her answers make zero sense again. I will have a chat with my subject head and see what I can do. If I leave it, I highly doubt she would be able to pass the year.

OP posts:
Russooooo · 03/03/2024 19:41

‘Disorder’ suggests something negative so tends not to be used it the UK. ‘Need’ or ‘condition’ are more likely to be used here.

SENCO is the SEN Coordinator, which all
English schools must have. It sounds like that role doesn’t exist in your school. What would you usually do if someone presented with SEN needs?

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