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9. External tests and examinations.
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9. External tests and examinations.The public examination bodies are generally sympathetic to the needs of dyslexic pupils but obtaining permission for special arrangements to be made may take time. Parents and teachers should discuss the child's needs early, generally at the beginning of the school year in which the test or examination will be taken.
National tests.The Quality and Curriculum Authority (QCA), which organises the national tests (often known as SATs) for 7- , 11- and 14- year-olds allows special arrangements for children with special educational needs. This includes children with Statements, those undergoing statutory assessment and those being helped at School Action or School Action Plus levels. Children who cannot sit and work at a test for a sustained period because of a disability or emotional, social or behavioural difficulties may also need special arrangements. Some special arrangements, such as extra time, require permission of the QCA, but schools do not require permission for most other arrangements such as using coloured overlays, or taping versions of written tests. Some children performing well below the expected level for their age are only assessed by teachers and do not take the tests. The arrangements for both tests and teacher assessments may be modified, or disapplied altogether, for a few children under legal procedures covering modification or disapplication of the National Curriculum. For those children with a Statement, any different arrangements will normally be written into the Statement. For those without a Statement, the headteacher may decide to disapply aspects of the National Curriculum which include the tests, either because the pupil is undergoing statutory assessment or because other circumstances make it impossible for them to take the tests. Parents can appeal
to the governing body against a decision to disapply. They can also ask
the head for a disapplication and if this is turned down, they can appeal
against that decision. If the governing body turn down their appeal, they
can complain to the LEA.
GCSE and A levels.Special arrangements may be made for pupils with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia. The school's headteacher must support a request for special arrangements and the decision will be taken by the examination board concerned for each subject. It is not necessary to have a Statement of SEN to qualify for special arrangements nor does a Statement automatically qualify an individual for any concessions. Any request must be supported by evidence, such as a recent assessment report from a qualified specialist teacher or psychologist. Typically, dyslexic candidates may be given extra time for coursework or written papers, be permitted a reader for examination papers and a typewriter or word-processor — though not a spellchecker — for written answers. If candidates are exempted from the assessments of handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar, this will be indicated on their certificate.
Further and higher education.Further education colleges have always attracted dyslexic students because they specialise in practical, technical and creative courses where the condition is often not such a problem. Some of these courses lead on to further study at university level. College and university students with dyslexia may find that they are eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowance which is designed to help cover extra costs, such as a personal computer. (For further details, see Bridging the Gap: A guide to the Disabled Students Allowances.) Many universities are adjusting to the admission of dyslexic students. They should ask what special arrangements are made for people with their disability when applying to university. They should look for:
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Contents of this site.5. Dyslexia and the education system. 6. How to recognise dyslexia in children. 9. External tests and examinations.
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