The British Dyslexia Association says plans revealed by the education secretary Michael Gove, for English Baccalaureate Certificate examinations to replace the current GCSE examinations in 2015, have the potential to have an adverse impact for dyslexic students.
The BDA is “extremely concerned” by the proposals which place more emphasis on the final examination and less on coursework.
The BDA intends to lobby the government – not to discriminate against those with specific learning difficulties.
The association said the proposals represent a “backwards leap in the examination process and will have an adverse effect on those with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.”
Dr Kate Saunders the chief executive at the BDA said: “Dyslexia is most often characterised by a deficit in information processing and working memory, speed of working and difficulty accessing and recording written information.
“Dyslexic difficulties can be exacerbated in an examination context, due to stress. This can make it particularly difficult for dyslexic students to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and understanding through one off, timed examinations.
“These plans, should they be implemented, will create an additional barrier for dyslexic students to continue on to higher education. Course work is generally a much fairer method of assessment and constitutes a reasonable adjustment for these students.”
The BDA will also continue to urge the government to ensure all dyslexic students receive diagnostic assessments and specialist support in a timely manner, and that all teachers receive input about dyslexia on their initial teacher training courses.
A petition has been launched for supporters to sign at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20674
Dr Kate Saunders, chief executive, British Dyslexia Association
No comments:
Post a Comment