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Dyslexia –
here and there
a basic guide for parents
Dyslexia International –
Tools and Technologies ASBL
building learning abilities
2
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Contents
Facing up to dyslexia 4
Definitions and facts 5
Other learning difficulties and disabilities 7
A plan of action 8
Step 1 – Find out about the child 8
Medical examinations 9
Assessment by an educational psychologist 9
Covering the cost of assessment 10
Where to go for an assessment 10
Step 2 – Find out about the school 11
Contacting a school for the first time:
using a checklist 12
The national educational system 13
Finding specialist schools 13
Private schools 14
Grants and financial aid 14
Step 3 – Find the best fit 15
The tiredness factor 15
Moving abroad – the options 16
How moving affects the child 17
Bilingualism 17
A word of warning about costs 18
Health 19
Contacts 19
Payment for medical care 19
Legal rights 20
Equal opportunities in education for children with
learning difficulties 20
Support groups 22
National, regional and local groups 22
General resources 23
Teacher-training 23
Information technology 23
3
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
D.I.T.T checklist –
for parents seeking the right school for a dyslexic child 25
Basic information about the school 25
Contact details 25
School curriculum 25
Geographical location 25
Teaching provision 26
Special needs programmes 26
Regular / mainstream classes 27
Classroom aids / assistants 27
Monitoring progress / the need for on-going
assessment 27
Flexibility 28
Learning a second language 28
Exams, tests, marking 28
Educational support services 29
Extra-curricula activities – sport, art, music, social
groups, etc. 29
Communications between parents and school 30
Overall impressions of the school 30
Finances 31
Follow-up 31
Acknowledgements 32
Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies 33
Background 33
4
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Facing up to dyslexia
If children with dyslexia are properly assessed and taught in
a sympathetic environment, they will escape the
demoralising process of continual failure and having to
contend with a school system that does not understand or
address their true learning needs.
But, as things are, parents often find themselves waiting
anxiously to be told whether their child has coped with his
or her school-work, or should be moved.
Some parents panic and make hasty, unwise decisions.
Others ignore what is happening and simply hope for the
best. Either way it is too easy to slip into a negative spiral by
focusing on the child’s learning difficulties and losing sight
of his or her strengths and abilities. But this is to lose sight
of the solutions.
It is imperative that the child’s capabilities are
encouraged and developed. They are the basis for
raising morale and developing the coping skills that will
eventually lead to a proper level of independence.
! To nurture the child’s natural abilities, small-group clubs
or classes in art, sports or music may prove to be ideal.
In such a setting, the child is away from the pressures
of large numbers and away from academic settings
where success depends mainly on literacy and numeracy
skills.
But what about the parents? However disappointed or
frustrated they may feel at first, once the initial emotional
reactions are over, there is no substitute for following a
plan of action. This provides the framework for a
systematic and balanced look at the child and the school,
and a proper evaluation of the choices available. Parents
regain control and are back in a position to make informed,
considered decisions.
But first, the facts...
5
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Definitions and facts
The terms dyslexia and specific learning difficulties are
often used synonymously. Dyslexia comes from the Greek
dys, implying ‘difficulty’ and lexis, meaning ‘word’. It is a
general term applied to a cluster of specific learning
difficulties or disabilities in any or all of the following areas:
– spelling
– reading
– writing
– arithmetic
– speech
– memory
– organisation
– behaviour.
Often dyslexia is allied with other conditions, such as
dyspraxia, disgraphia and problems with attention deficit or
processing information at speed.
There are many definitions of dyslexia. But only some
of them are officially recognised by governments.
At the 1994 ‘Action for Dyslexia’ conference, delegates
from the EU Ministries agreed on the following working
definition, which D.
I.
T.
T has adopted:
‘the student with specific learning difficulties shows
– some learning skills developed to an above-average or
average standard, but also shows
– organising or learning difficulties which impair fine motor
skills, organisation of laterality and information skills in
working memory,
so limiting the development of curriculum skills in some or
all of speech, reading, spelling, writing and behaviour.’
(See www.ditt-online.org for French and German
translations)
What is the legal definition that is used by your local
education authority?
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
It is important not to confuse the child with dyslexia with
the young, immature child who may overcome errors in the
normal course of development. The symptoms will vary
from one child to the next.
Common signs of dyslexia are listed in the guide: Language
Shock – Dyslexia across Cultures that is part of a multimedia
pack published by D.
I.
T.
T. E-book versions of the Guide are
available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and
Portuguese on the D.
I.
T.
T Web site.
Some researchers believe that dyslexia, which occurs
irrespective of intelligence or background, and arises from
differences in the physiology of the brain, is more prevalent
in males; others disagree.
According to the European Dyslexia Association’s recent
statistics, specific learning difficulties affect up to 10% of
the population to some degree, of whom 40% are affected
severely – that is more than 37 million in 15 of the Member
States of the European Union alone.
In his Concluding Report on the Action for Dyslexia
conference, the Co-ordinator, Dr Harry Chasty, stated
that the special educational needs of some 90% of
dyslexic children could be met in an ordinary school.
However, this would depend on teachers being trained
to be able to recognise learning difficulties and adapt
their teaching methods to different learning styles.
There is extensive evidence to show that children with
dyslexia who are not recognised and treated at an early age
are likely to suffer severe personal and social
consequences.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Other learning difficulties and
disabilities
There is evidence that other learning difficulties may appear
very similar to dyslexia.
Sometimes dyslexia may be present as only one of a
number of handicapping conditions.
Accurate assessment is essential.
Once a child has had a professional assessment, parents
may want to contact the official organisation or informal
groups concerned.
! Remember to ask about: leaflets and newsletters, local
support groups, meetings, educational videos, helplines,
counselling, training and library resources, lending
equipment and any other facilities.
8
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
"
"
A plan of action
In three steps:
1 Find out about the child
2 Find out about the schools
3 Find the best fit
! Keep a current, well ordered file with:
– assessments of your child and relevant samples of work
– photocopied checklists for your final analysis and
decision-making.
Step 1 –
Find out about the child
Parents who are looking for the right teaching for their child
must first have a clear idea of the child’s learning needs.
Prepare full and accurate lists of:
– the abilities to be developed
– the learning difficulties to be addressed.
The child’s special needs must be carefully highlighted for
final matching when it comes to using the D.
I.
T.
T checklist.
! Listen regularly with undivided attention to your child.
Many psychologists consider the process of ‘active
listening’ vital to the child’s proper development.
Be Patient! Often a child cannot find the words to
express underlying feelings of fear and anxiety. Allow
time for these to be expressed and encourage
communication. You can dispel worries that, if allowed to
build up, leave a child ‘locked up’ and miserable.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
! Build self-confidence and positive thoughts. Your child
could make a list – ‘I’m good at....’
! Praise good behaviour.
Do not accept bad behaviour.
Medical examinations
These are especially important for the overall assessment
of a child with learning difficulties.
If you are moving abroad, it is worth having hearing, sight or
other medical check-ups done before moving, in a familiar
medical system and in the mother tongue.
! Remember! Dietary and environmental factors such as
too much sugar, cola drinks, food additives and too little
sleep can also affect a child’s behaviour.
Assessment by an educational
psychologist
To find the best possible choice of school, parents will
need a specialist’s objective view of their child’s abilities
and difficulties, with specific recommendations for remedial
help.
The educational psychologist should always be asked
for a short summary statement written in layman’s
language besides the detailed analysis. Such a
statement is important for ensuring the best possible
communication with the school.
Many schools will insist on a recent assessment before
offering a place, even if they go on to make further tests
themselves.
Educational psychologists can take several hours to run
their tests.
! It is useful to take recent school reports and samples of
work and a list of points to raise concerning the child
and the family. It is all too easy to come away feeling
the full picture was not properly presented and that
some vital points were left out.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Covering the cost of assessment
What medical or educational cover does the employer
provide? Is there a sliding scale or reduced fee for parents
who have to pay privately?
Parents who cannot afford the fee should say so when
they set up an appointment and request a concessionary
fee before the visit.
! Beware! In some cases, in order to have access to
educational funding for children with learning difficulties,
a medical doctor’s report rather than a psychologist’s
is essential. The medical route to funding is often more
accessible than the educational one.
! Medical insurance may not cover psychological help if
this is not first prescribed by a doctor.
Where to go for an assessment
International consultants, experts in dyslexia, may
occasionally visit. Find out through a Dyslexia Support
Group.
Specialists can also be consulted at local hospitals, although
they may not necessarily provide back-up psychological
services or written assessments in your language. The
telephone directory may give a full list, though not all
educational psychologists will recognise the condition.
Beware!
Where can you go for an assessment near you?
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Step 2 – Find out about the
school
Schools differ widely in their approach, facilities and
staffing.
Living aborad? Then you can expect cultural differences to
come into play. Parents coming from abroad should put
aside their own preconceived ideas and expectations.
Take the role of teachers and parents – in a Belgian school,
parental involvement in classroom activities is not the usual
practice, nor is regular face-to-face parent–teacher
communication. The ‘agenda’, a child’s school diary, is used
as the main tool of communication.
What cultural differences have you found between where
you live now and where you used to live?
To ensure understanding on both sides and establish
satisfactory communication, parents need to keep an open
mind and find out about these differences from the start.
The D.
I.
T.
T checklist in this kit should be useful here.
! For any meeting at a school consider:
– arranging the appointment in advance, stating the
purpose and setting a time limit
– preparing a list of the main points you want to raise
– giving the teachers a half-page of information on your
child (with name, age, recent assessment, and your
aims) to have in front of them during the meeting, and
– sending a brief summary of agreements and any points
to be followed up.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Contacting a school for the first time:
using a checklist
The sample checklist at the end of this handbook
gives a systematic list of questions for building up a
bank of information on how the school works and
what it can offer.
The checklist should not be seen as a threat but as a joint
exercise to establish how the particular learning needs of
the child with learning difficulties may or may not be met.
! Communicating with schools:
- Parents may feel intimidated and subconsciously act as
they did when they were school-children themselves...
- But do not forget!
Teachers may also feel threatened. Their professional
skills are being questioned and they may already feel
overwhelmed by the number of children in their charge
and the demands on their time.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
For a first-time visit to any school, it is useful to have:
– a fresh copy of a checklist
– a recent assessment with the summary statement
from the educational psychologist, and
– examples of the child’s work.
When visiting schools you might like to take the child with
you, certainly when it comes to the final selection, so as to
ensure he or she is part of the decision-making process.
! Do boost self-confidence!
! Do mention the child’s abilities!
! Do listen to your child’s views!
! Don’t talk loudly and enthusiastically about your child’s
learning difficulties in front of him or her!
! Beware of accepting a place in a school just because of
the ready welcome! Keeping a child occupied and happy
is not always the same as developing his or her learning
potential and abilities.
The national educational system
How are your child’s rights to an education being met? It is
vital to understand what the system can offer: assessment,
extra help and other resources.
See the D.
I.
T.
T Web site – ‘State Provision’ for a useful
format.
Finding specialist schools
For up-to-date information and lists of state and other
schools and facilities, contact the Ministry of Education.
When abroad the local Embassy can provide this
information.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Private schools
Some schools restrict entry – phone to ask about their
admissions policy.
A useful publication (in English) is the International Schools
Directory (updated annually) published by the European
Council of International Schools.
Some international schools publish a prospectus, and have
counselling services too.
Are there any international or foreign national schools in
your area? A complete lists of schools is available through
the local Ministry of Education.
Grants and financial aid
Where parents of the child concerned are of mixed
nationality, it is not always clear which way to turn. What is
your legal status? Do you have rights as a resident?
Does your child qualify for any grant or sponsorship?
Up-to-date sources may be found through the Ministry of
Education or, if abroad, the Embassy Cultural or Educational
Information Services.
School heads should be able to advise on scholarships and
grants available, sometimes through the school itself, or
through the local education authority.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Step 3 – Find the best fit
The tiredness factor
If there is a choice, it is a good idea to live within easy reach
of a child’s school. Drawing a circle on the map and looking
for a home within it can help. It is also worth finding out
about the length of the journey by school bus, the most
direct routes by car or on foot, and the possibility of
sharing the journey to school with another family.
For parents hoping to arrange extra tuition outside school,
it is even more important to calculate the travel time
involved, so that schedules are not too tiring and leave time
for the child to unwind and relax.
! Be aware of the learning curve! Some learn better in the
mornings, others later in the day. Do not set up extra
lessons when you know your child will be tired!
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Moving abroad – the options
Expatriate parents can expect to find themselves
confronted by a multitude of theories, rumours, statistics
and recommendations. Everyone is looking for that unique
best-fit for their child’s particular abilities, learning
difficulties and temperament.
Respecting well-founded properly-researched solutions
rather than going for quick ‘cures’ and treatments can be
difficult, and often goes against instincts and emotions.
The choices families make are obviously conditioned by
personal circumstances and practical considerations too,
such as how long they plan to stay in a particular place and
their financial situation.
! List your priorities and essential needs before you
weigh up the options.
Families who are considering a move to another country
should consider carefully in advance, in consultation with
professionals and other members of the family, whether it
is better to:
– move and integrate the child into the local education
system (likely to involve having to learn a new language)
– move and find a private school where special education
is available in the mother-tongue (likely to be expensive)
– move and put together what assistance they can find
– reconsider the need to move at all.
Families who have already moved may want to consider:
– finding appropriate education in the local system
– finding additional private tutors and/or therapists
– teaching at home, with local authority approval
– considering a boarding school with appropriate teaching
– splitting up the family, so that the job-holder remains and
the rest of the family returns home.
It is well worth sharing ideas with others at a local support
group, or setting up your own group. This way a lot of
useful information is exchanged informally, besides seeking
professional advice.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
For the expatriate family two hard facts remain:
– the range of provision – schooling, therapists and back-
up in your native language – is likely to be less than that
at home, and
– the cost of paying for educational provision, in a setting
where the native language is not your own, is almost
always much higher.
How moving affects the child
Some children adjust to the new environment quickly and
without apparent problems. Others find it difficult, showing
such symptoms as loss of self-confidence, depression and
even despair.
For the child with dyslexia, removed from the security of a
home base, these symptoms can be magnified. Behavioural
problems sometimes emerge, and school and family life can
suffer as a result.
Winning a child over to liking and eventually adapting to a
new setting may not be easy for parents, especially if they
too are experiencing some form of culture shock. The
problem is not uncommon, but professional help may well
be available.
There are many articles and books on the subject of
culture shock and mobility.
See the article ‘Children on the Move – Culture Shock’ in the
D.
I.
T.
T e-book Guides.
Bilingualism
Dr Ludo Beheydt, Professor of Psycholinguistics at the
Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, specialist in
multi-lingualism,writes:
‘Learning to understand and speak a second language,
especially in a bilingual home setting and where there is no
undue pressure, can boost a child’s self-confidence.’
However, Dr Beheydt cautions that ‘for children with
dyslexia, having to read and write in a second language can
“overload” the learning capacity, and even upset the
processes of coping in the first language, especially if the
input and/or the motivation for one of the languages is
past.’
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
A word of warning about costs
The expense of educating a child and securing support
services in a foreign language can be high, even
prohibitive, when an employer does not cover costs or
insurance.
School fees for local private schools, and hourly rates for
private tuition, may be significantly higher than the
equivalent costs in the home country.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Health
Contacts
Good contacts and an understanding of how the medical
system works are essential when parents need to organise
important regular assessments and check-ups as the child
develops.
Ask in local pharmacies for a list of local doctors. Ask your
local support group for recommendations.
Payment for medical care
It is advisable to check first with the employer to find out
what terms and conditions apply to you and you child,
depending on your status (e.g. resident or non-resident).
Check your rights under your national or private health-
insurance programme.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Legal rights
Equal opportunities in education for
children with learning difficulties
At national level, the child’s rights may be clearly set out in
an Education Act. But for the child of mixed nationality or
whose family moves between one country and other, the
picture can be blurred. These children cannot always
exercise their rights to extra help, such as resources in the
classroom or additional time when sitting exams.
What are your child’s legal rights?
The United Nations Convention, signed and ratified by 159
countries, remains the main instrument for children’s rights.
Articles 12 and 13 state that:
Children have the right to say what they think about
anything that affects them. They have the right to
express how they think and feel so long as by doing
so they do not break the law or affect other people’s
rights. What they say must be listened to carefully.
Article 28 states the need to:
– make primary education compulsory and free to all;
– encourage the development of different forms of
secondary education;
– make educational and vocational information
available and accessible to all children;
– take measures to encourage regular school
attendance and reduce drop-out rates.
Article 29 describes the need to:
– develop the child’s personality, talents, mental and
physical abilities to his fullest potential;
– prepare the child for a responsible life in a free
society;
– develop respect for the child’s parents, his or her
cultural identity, language and values, as well as for the
culture and value of others.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Wherever these rights are not being respected, the
appropriate Ministries, Member of Parliament, local
councillors or children’s organisations should be contacted.
D.
I.
T.
T will continue to lobby for the rights of children
with learning difficulties at national and international
level.
D.
I.
T.
T will campaign for all children to have:
– access to education that matches their needs
– classroom assistance available where they are capable of
integrating into the local system
– access to counselling and advocacy at all times
– whatever facilities are needed to ensure their equality of
opportunity.
D.
I.
T.
T will also lobby for:
– teachers, professionals and parents to have access to
training programmes and forums for the exchange of
ideas on methods, materials and good practice
– teachers and health-care professionals to be trained in
recognising and assessing children with learning
difficulties
– teachers to be trained in how to adapt their methods to
the needs of the child who learns differently
– information on rights and facilities for families with
children with learning difficulties to be readily available
– the promotion of on-going research
– the creation and promotion of tools and technologies
that enable the dyslexic learner to succeed in a
competitive world.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Support groups
Such groups have been established at international,
European, national, regional and local levels.
A list of international and European-level organisations,
through which local support groups can be found, is
on the D.
I.
T.
T Web site – see ‘Contacts’.
National, regional and local groups
Further inquiries may also be made through these groups
about
– others in your area
– new associations starting up, or
– setting one up yourself.
Details of national organisations in Europe can also be
found on the D.
I.
T.
T Web site – see ‘Member State
Provision.’ Many of these can tell you about what local
groups there are.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
General resources
The D.
I.
T.
T Web site contains a regularly-updated list of
organisations, plus information on reading and
teaching materials.
Teacher-training
General information on local courses for teachers is
available through the local ministry of education.
D.
I.
T.
T has information on on-line and distance-learning
teacher training.
For group use we highly recommend ‘How difficult can this
be?’ – a teacher training video by Richard Lavoie that
demonstrates the experience of being dyslexic.
Information technology
Information technology can help dyslexic people of all ages
with:
– basic skills, such as structural practice of phonics, word
recognition, spelling and fluency
– applying basic skills and learning the meaning of what is
read
– writing skills, allowing him or her to focus on one
process of writing at a time
– easy correction of mistakes and the opportunity to edit,
so as to produce an attractive piece of work without
pressure
all of which increase motivation.
It is widely acknowledged that the best application of the
technology is as part of a structural teaching programme,
with the computer being used to give regular practice and
reinforcement.
The British Dyslexia Association Computer Committee, for
example, produces a wide range of booklets giving details
of recommended software.
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DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Once your child has started school...
! Keep to a daily schedule:
– establish a routine and be consistent
– do not change the time-table for eating, play and
homework
! Colour-code all books, bags, etc. – so your child
recognises them instantly. It works!
! Teach your child:
– how to pack and unpack his or her school-bag
– how to organise his or her pencil-case
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
25
D.I.T.T checklist –
for parents seeking the right school for a dyslexic child
Basic information about the school
Contact details
Name of school
Address
Telephone
E-mail address
Web site address
Name and position of staff consulted
Date of visit /phone call
Name of special education staff consulted
Date of visit /phone call
School curriculum
This is important where a future move is
likely.
Is the school curriculum:
British /American? Yes # No #
Other country
Geographical location
Is there a school bus service? Yes # No # N/a #
Estimated travel time home – school
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
26
Teaching provision
The purpose of this section is to ensure
that the child’s abilities and learning style
are well understood and that parents,
from the outset, have a clear picture of
how the child’s needs may be addressed.
Has the school staff seen the educational
psychologist’s summary report with
recommendations? Yes # No #
Do they have the facilities to meet the
educational needs of the child:
trained staff? Yes # No #
equipment (eg computers)?
Special needs programmes
Does the school cater for children with
various disabilities? Yes # No #
Details
Are all the children with different learning
disabilities taught in one group? Yes # No #
Does the school have an established
special needs programme or learning
support unit? Yes # No #
Details
Are there teachers qualified in dealing with
specific learning difficulties /dyslexia? Yes # No #
Details
Are other members of staff
professionally qualified? Yes # No #
Details
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
27
Regular / mainstream classes
Remember the child with learning
difficulties may be easily distracted in
large classes.
If the child is to be integrated,
how big are the classes?
How do members of staff handle
mixed ability teaching?
Will there be one class teacher? Yes # No #
If not, how many different members
of staff will teach the child
Are pupils ever taught
in small groups Yes # No #
individually Yes # No #
If a child is taken out of class for individual
tuition, what arrangements are made for
catching up on classes missed?
Classroom aids / assistants
Is there a possibility of a classroom assistant
alongside the child if this would be useful
for both the teacher and the child
integrating into a mainstream class? Yes # No #
For some or all subjects?
Are assistants
qualified? Yes # No #
experienced? Yes # No #
Monitoring progress / the need for on-going assessment
How, and how often, does the school
measure the child’s
social progress?
educational progress?
Are parents informed about testing? Yes # No #
Are parents consulted before
final conclusions are drawn and
decisions made concerning the child? Yes # No #
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
28
Flexibility
How is the School willing to adapt its
teaching programme as the child develops?
Learning a second language
Would the child have to take a
second language? Yes # No #
What is the School’s policy?
Exams, tests, marking
Continual low grades can have a
devastating effect on the child’s self
esteem.
Is the child with specific learning difficulties
graded with or without concessions?
Is the child with specific learning difficulties
given extra time for
internal tests and exams? Yes # No #
external tests and exams? Yes # No #
What exam syllabus does the school follow
that would be best suited to the child with
specific learning difficulties?
Can the child with specific learning
difficulties use any of the following in the classroom? during exams?
computer Yes # No # Yes # No #
reader / writer Yes # No # Yes # No #
spell-check Yes # No # Yes # No #
any other aid Yes # No # Yes # No #
details
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
29
Educational support services
Support services available through the school:
Educational psychologists Yes # No #
Speech therapists Yes # No #
Counselling Yes # No #
Parent groups Yes # No #
Extra help for the child outside
school hours Yes # No #
For what reasons does the school
recommend extra tuition in addition to
normal school hours?
Is extra tuition available at all stages? Yes # No #
When?
Where?
Does the school prefer a private tutor
outside school hours to work in cooperation
with the child’s class teacher? Yes # No #
Would progress with extra tuition
be monitored? Yes # No #
If yes, by
meeting Yes # No #
correspondence Yes # No #
Extra-curricula activities – sport, art, music, social groups, etc.
When and where do these take place?
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
30
Communications between parents and school
How often can parents meet the teacher(s)?
What are the arrangements for doing so?
What parental involvement does the School
welcome
encourage
expect
discourage
Overall impressions of the school
Does it seem to
be open-minded? Yes # No #
be up-to-date with staff training and
appropriate equipment? Yes # No #
have a friendly atmosphere? Yes # No #
Your reactions
Your child’s reactions
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST
31
Finances
You may need to find out whether there
can be any company /employer payment
towards your children’s school fees and,
if so, how to apply for it.
Basic tuition fees
School bursaries /grants / concessions
Additional costs:
educational psychologist
extra tuition
classroom assistant alongside child
speech therapist
extra-curricular activities
books
equipment
uniform
school bus
other
Follow-up
Queries
With whom
When
By when
32
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Acknowledgements
D.
I.
T.
T wishes to thank
– Pauline Key-Kairis, D.
I.
T.
T typographic designer
and all parents of children with specific learning difficulties,
teachers, educational psychologists, speech therapists, and
especially the members and supporters, who made this kit
possible, including:
– Madelina Barbu
– Anne Copeland
– Angela Banoi
– Ginette Meerapfel
– Elenor Texeira Rossel and the Austrian Support group
Brussels
– Susan van Alsenoy
33
DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE
Dyslexia International –
Tools and Technologies
D.
I.
T.
T volunteers work with leading experts, to create and
promote tools that enable dyslexic learners
to succeed in a competitive world.
Go to the D.
I.
T.
T Web site to find out about our latest
projects and resources:
www.ditt-online.org
Background
The idea for making this e-book came from the ‘Action for
Dyslexia’ conference held in 1994 at the European
Parliament.
We have adapted the original text to produce this basic
guide for parents.
Dyslexia here and there
Published by:
Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies (D.
I.
T.
T) asbl
1 rue Defacqz
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel & Fax: +32 2-5377066
E-mail: admin@ditt-online.org
Web site: www.ditt-online.org
Bank account: 310-158 1288-80
Copyright © Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies (D.
I.
T.
T)
2003
Concept & typographic design: Pauline Key-Kairis
Illustrations by courtesy of Quentin Blake
Web site design: Dave Rowan
Co-ordinator: Judith Sanson

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Dyslexia here and there a basic guide for parents

  • 1. Dyslexia – here and there a basic guide for parents Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies ASBL building learning abilities
  • 2. 2 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Contents Facing up to dyslexia 4 Definitions and facts 5 Other learning difficulties and disabilities 7 A plan of action 8 Step 1 – Find out about the child 8 Medical examinations 9 Assessment by an educational psychologist 9 Covering the cost of assessment 10 Where to go for an assessment 10 Step 2 – Find out about the school 11 Contacting a school for the first time: using a checklist 12 The national educational system 13 Finding specialist schools 13 Private schools 14 Grants and financial aid 14 Step 3 – Find the best fit 15 The tiredness factor 15 Moving abroad – the options 16 How moving affects the child 17 Bilingualism 17 A word of warning about costs 18 Health 19 Contacts 19 Payment for medical care 19 Legal rights 20 Equal opportunities in education for children with learning difficulties 20 Support groups 22 National, regional and local groups 22 General resources 23 Teacher-training 23 Information technology 23
  • 3. 3 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE D.I.T.T checklist – for parents seeking the right school for a dyslexic child 25 Basic information about the school 25 Contact details 25 School curriculum 25 Geographical location 25 Teaching provision 26 Special needs programmes 26 Regular / mainstream classes 27 Classroom aids / assistants 27 Monitoring progress / the need for on-going assessment 27 Flexibility 28 Learning a second language 28 Exams, tests, marking 28 Educational support services 29 Extra-curricula activities – sport, art, music, social groups, etc. 29 Communications between parents and school 30 Overall impressions of the school 30 Finances 31 Follow-up 31 Acknowledgements 32 Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies 33 Background 33
  • 4. 4 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Facing up to dyslexia If children with dyslexia are properly assessed and taught in a sympathetic environment, they will escape the demoralising process of continual failure and having to contend with a school system that does not understand or address their true learning needs. But, as things are, parents often find themselves waiting anxiously to be told whether their child has coped with his or her school-work, or should be moved. Some parents panic and make hasty, unwise decisions. Others ignore what is happening and simply hope for the best. Either way it is too easy to slip into a negative spiral by focusing on the child’s learning difficulties and losing sight of his or her strengths and abilities. But this is to lose sight of the solutions. It is imperative that the child’s capabilities are encouraged and developed. They are the basis for raising morale and developing the coping skills that will eventually lead to a proper level of independence. ! To nurture the child’s natural abilities, small-group clubs or classes in art, sports or music may prove to be ideal. In such a setting, the child is away from the pressures of large numbers and away from academic settings where success depends mainly on literacy and numeracy skills. But what about the parents? However disappointed or frustrated they may feel at first, once the initial emotional reactions are over, there is no substitute for following a plan of action. This provides the framework for a systematic and balanced look at the child and the school, and a proper evaluation of the choices available. Parents regain control and are back in a position to make informed, considered decisions. But first, the facts...
  • 5. 5 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Definitions and facts The terms dyslexia and specific learning difficulties are often used synonymously. Dyslexia comes from the Greek dys, implying ‘difficulty’ and lexis, meaning ‘word’. It is a general term applied to a cluster of specific learning difficulties or disabilities in any or all of the following areas: – spelling – reading – writing – arithmetic – speech – memory – organisation – behaviour. Often dyslexia is allied with other conditions, such as dyspraxia, disgraphia and problems with attention deficit or processing information at speed. There are many definitions of dyslexia. But only some of them are officially recognised by governments. At the 1994 ‘Action for Dyslexia’ conference, delegates from the EU Ministries agreed on the following working definition, which D. I. T. T has adopted: ‘the student with specific learning difficulties shows – some learning skills developed to an above-average or average standard, but also shows – organising or learning difficulties which impair fine motor skills, organisation of laterality and information skills in working memory, so limiting the development of curriculum skills in some or all of speech, reading, spelling, writing and behaviour.’ (See www.ditt-online.org for French and German translations) What is the legal definition that is used by your local education authority?
  • 6. 6 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE It is important not to confuse the child with dyslexia with the young, immature child who may overcome errors in the normal course of development. The symptoms will vary from one child to the next. Common signs of dyslexia are listed in the guide: Language Shock – Dyslexia across Cultures that is part of a multimedia pack published by D. I. T. T. E-book versions of the Guide are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese on the D. I. T. T Web site. Some researchers believe that dyslexia, which occurs irrespective of intelligence or background, and arises from differences in the physiology of the brain, is more prevalent in males; others disagree. According to the European Dyslexia Association’s recent statistics, specific learning difficulties affect up to 10% of the population to some degree, of whom 40% are affected severely – that is more than 37 million in 15 of the Member States of the European Union alone. In his Concluding Report on the Action for Dyslexia conference, the Co-ordinator, Dr Harry Chasty, stated that the special educational needs of some 90% of dyslexic children could be met in an ordinary school. However, this would depend on teachers being trained to be able to recognise learning difficulties and adapt their teaching methods to different learning styles. There is extensive evidence to show that children with dyslexia who are not recognised and treated at an early age are likely to suffer severe personal and social consequences.
  • 7. 7 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Other learning difficulties and disabilities There is evidence that other learning difficulties may appear very similar to dyslexia. Sometimes dyslexia may be present as only one of a number of handicapping conditions. Accurate assessment is essential. Once a child has had a professional assessment, parents may want to contact the official organisation or informal groups concerned. ! Remember to ask about: leaflets and newsletters, local support groups, meetings, educational videos, helplines, counselling, training and library resources, lending equipment and any other facilities.
  • 8. 8 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE " " A plan of action In three steps: 1 Find out about the child 2 Find out about the schools 3 Find the best fit ! Keep a current, well ordered file with: – assessments of your child and relevant samples of work – photocopied checklists for your final analysis and decision-making. Step 1 – Find out about the child Parents who are looking for the right teaching for their child must first have a clear idea of the child’s learning needs. Prepare full and accurate lists of: – the abilities to be developed – the learning difficulties to be addressed. The child’s special needs must be carefully highlighted for final matching when it comes to using the D. I. T. T checklist. ! Listen regularly with undivided attention to your child. Many psychologists consider the process of ‘active listening’ vital to the child’s proper development. Be Patient! Often a child cannot find the words to express underlying feelings of fear and anxiety. Allow time for these to be expressed and encourage communication. You can dispel worries that, if allowed to build up, leave a child ‘locked up’ and miserable.
  • 9. 9 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE ! Build self-confidence and positive thoughts. Your child could make a list – ‘I’m good at....’ ! Praise good behaviour. Do not accept bad behaviour. Medical examinations These are especially important for the overall assessment of a child with learning difficulties. If you are moving abroad, it is worth having hearing, sight or other medical check-ups done before moving, in a familiar medical system and in the mother tongue. ! Remember! Dietary and environmental factors such as too much sugar, cola drinks, food additives and too little sleep can also affect a child’s behaviour. Assessment by an educational psychologist To find the best possible choice of school, parents will need a specialist’s objective view of their child’s abilities and difficulties, with specific recommendations for remedial help. The educational psychologist should always be asked for a short summary statement written in layman’s language besides the detailed analysis. Such a statement is important for ensuring the best possible communication with the school. Many schools will insist on a recent assessment before offering a place, even if they go on to make further tests themselves. Educational psychologists can take several hours to run their tests. ! It is useful to take recent school reports and samples of work and a list of points to raise concerning the child and the family. It is all too easy to come away feeling the full picture was not properly presented and that some vital points were left out.
  • 10. 10 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Covering the cost of assessment What medical or educational cover does the employer provide? Is there a sliding scale or reduced fee for parents who have to pay privately? Parents who cannot afford the fee should say so when they set up an appointment and request a concessionary fee before the visit. ! Beware! In some cases, in order to have access to educational funding for children with learning difficulties, a medical doctor’s report rather than a psychologist’s is essential. The medical route to funding is often more accessible than the educational one. ! Medical insurance may not cover psychological help if this is not first prescribed by a doctor. Where to go for an assessment International consultants, experts in dyslexia, may occasionally visit. Find out through a Dyslexia Support Group. Specialists can also be consulted at local hospitals, although they may not necessarily provide back-up psychological services or written assessments in your language. The telephone directory may give a full list, though not all educational psychologists will recognise the condition. Beware! Where can you go for an assessment near you?
  • 11. 11 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Step 2 – Find out about the school Schools differ widely in their approach, facilities and staffing. Living aborad? Then you can expect cultural differences to come into play. Parents coming from abroad should put aside their own preconceived ideas and expectations. Take the role of teachers and parents – in a Belgian school, parental involvement in classroom activities is not the usual practice, nor is regular face-to-face parent–teacher communication. The ‘agenda’, a child’s school diary, is used as the main tool of communication. What cultural differences have you found between where you live now and where you used to live? To ensure understanding on both sides and establish satisfactory communication, parents need to keep an open mind and find out about these differences from the start. The D. I. T. T checklist in this kit should be useful here. ! For any meeting at a school consider: – arranging the appointment in advance, stating the purpose and setting a time limit – preparing a list of the main points you want to raise – giving the teachers a half-page of information on your child (with name, age, recent assessment, and your aims) to have in front of them during the meeting, and – sending a brief summary of agreements and any points to be followed up.
  • 12. 12 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Contacting a school for the first time: using a checklist The sample checklist at the end of this handbook gives a systematic list of questions for building up a bank of information on how the school works and what it can offer. The checklist should not be seen as a threat but as a joint exercise to establish how the particular learning needs of the child with learning difficulties may or may not be met. ! Communicating with schools: - Parents may feel intimidated and subconsciously act as they did when they were school-children themselves... - But do not forget! Teachers may also feel threatened. Their professional skills are being questioned and they may already feel overwhelmed by the number of children in their charge and the demands on their time.
  • 13. 13 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE For a first-time visit to any school, it is useful to have: – a fresh copy of a checklist – a recent assessment with the summary statement from the educational psychologist, and – examples of the child’s work. When visiting schools you might like to take the child with you, certainly when it comes to the final selection, so as to ensure he or she is part of the decision-making process. ! Do boost self-confidence! ! Do mention the child’s abilities! ! Do listen to your child’s views! ! Don’t talk loudly and enthusiastically about your child’s learning difficulties in front of him or her! ! Beware of accepting a place in a school just because of the ready welcome! Keeping a child occupied and happy is not always the same as developing his or her learning potential and abilities. The national educational system How are your child’s rights to an education being met? It is vital to understand what the system can offer: assessment, extra help and other resources. See the D. I. T. T Web site – ‘State Provision’ for a useful format. Finding specialist schools For up-to-date information and lists of state and other schools and facilities, contact the Ministry of Education. When abroad the local Embassy can provide this information.
  • 14. 14 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Private schools Some schools restrict entry – phone to ask about their admissions policy. A useful publication (in English) is the International Schools Directory (updated annually) published by the European Council of International Schools. Some international schools publish a prospectus, and have counselling services too. Are there any international or foreign national schools in your area? A complete lists of schools is available through the local Ministry of Education. Grants and financial aid Where parents of the child concerned are of mixed nationality, it is not always clear which way to turn. What is your legal status? Do you have rights as a resident? Does your child qualify for any grant or sponsorship? Up-to-date sources may be found through the Ministry of Education or, if abroad, the Embassy Cultural or Educational Information Services. School heads should be able to advise on scholarships and grants available, sometimes through the school itself, or through the local education authority.
  • 15. 15 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Step 3 – Find the best fit The tiredness factor If there is a choice, it is a good idea to live within easy reach of a child’s school. Drawing a circle on the map and looking for a home within it can help. It is also worth finding out about the length of the journey by school bus, the most direct routes by car or on foot, and the possibility of sharing the journey to school with another family. For parents hoping to arrange extra tuition outside school, it is even more important to calculate the travel time involved, so that schedules are not too tiring and leave time for the child to unwind and relax. ! Be aware of the learning curve! Some learn better in the mornings, others later in the day. Do not set up extra lessons when you know your child will be tired!
  • 16. 16 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Moving abroad – the options Expatriate parents can expect to find themselves confronted by a multitude of theories, rumours, statistics and recommendations. Everyone is looking for that unique best-fit for their child’s particular abilities, learning difficulties and temperament. Respecting well-founded properly-researched solutions rather than going for quick ‘cures’ and treatments can be difficult, and often goes against instincts and emotions. The choices families make are obviously conditioned by personal circumstances and practical considerations too, such as how long they plan to stay in a particular place and their financial situation. ! List your priorities and essential needs before you weigh up the options. Families who are considering a move to another country should consider carefully in advance, in consultation with professionals and other members of the family, whether it is better to: – move and integrate the child into the local education system (likely to involve having to learn a new language) – move and find a private school where special education is available in the mother-tongue (likely to be expensive) – move and put together what assistance they can find – reconsider the need to move at all. Families who have already moved may want to consider: – finding appropriate education in the local system – finding additional private tutors and/or therapists – teaching at home, with local authority approval – considering a boarding school with appropriate teaching – splitting up the family, so that the job-holder remains and the rest of the family returns home. It is well worth sharing ideas with others at a local support group, or setting up your own group. This way a lot of useful information is exchanged informally, besides seeking professional advice.
  • 17. 17 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE For the expatriate family two hard facts remain: – the range of provision – schooling, therapists and back- up in your native language – is likely to be less than that at home, and – the cost of paying for educational provision, in a setting where the native language is not your own, is almost always much higher. How moving affects the child Some children adjust to the new environment quickly and without apparent problems. Others find it difficult, showing such symptoms as loss of self-confidence, depression and even despair. For the child with dyslexia, removed from the security of a home base, these symptoms can be magnified. Behavioural problems sometimes emerge, and school and family life can suffer as a result. Winning a child over to liking and eventually adapting to a new setting may not be easy for parents, especially if they too are experiencing some form of culture shock. The problem is not uncommon, but professional help may well be available. There are many articles and books on the subject of culture shock and mobility. See the article ‘Children on the Move – Culture Shock’ in the D. I. T. T e-book Guides. Bilingualism Dr Ludo Beheydt, Professor of Psycholinguistics at the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, specialist in multi-lingualism,writes: ‘Learning to understand and speak a second language, especially in a bilingual home setting and where there is no undue pressure, can boost a child’s self-confidence.’ However, Dr Beheydt cautions that ‘for children with dyslexia, having to read and write in a second language can “overload” the learning capacity, and even upset the processes of coping in the first language, especially if the input and/or the motivation for one of the languages is past.’
  • 18. 18 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE A word of warning about costs The expense of educating a child and securing support services in a foreign language can be high, even prohibitive, when an employer does not cover costs or insurance. School fees for local private schools, and hourly rates for private tuition, may be significantly higher than the equivalent costs in the home country.
  • 19. 19 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Health Contacts Good contacts and an understanding of how the medical system works are essential when parents need to organise important regular assessments and check-ups as the child develops. Ask in local pharmacies for a list of local doctors. Ask your local support group for recommendations. Payment for medical care It is advisable to check first with the employer to find out what terms and conditions apply to you and you child, depending on your status (e.g. resident or non-resident). Check your rights under your national or private health- insurance programme.
  • 20. 20 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Legal rights Equal opportunities in education for children with learning difficulties At national level, the child’s rights may be clearly set out in an Education Act. But for the child of mixed nationality or whose family moves between one country and other, the picture can be blurred. These children cannot always exercise their rights to extra help, such as resources in the classroom or additional time when sitting exams. What are your child’s legal rights? The United Nations Convention, signed and ratified by 159 countries, remains the main instrument for children’s rights. Articles 12 and 13 state that: Children have the right to say what they think about anything that affects them. They have the right to express how they think and feel so long as by doing so they do not break the law or affect other people’s rights. What they say must be listened to carefully. Article 28 states the need to: – make primary education compulsory and free to all; – encourage the development of different forms of secondary education; – make educational and vocational information available and accessible to all children; – take measures to encourage regular school attendance and reduce drop-out rates. Article 29 describes the need to: – develop the child’s personality, talents, mental and physical abilities to his fullest potential; – prepare the child for a responsible life in a free society; – develop respect for the child’s parents, his or her cultural identity, language and values, as well as for the culture and value of others.
  • 21. 21 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Wherever these rights are not being respected, the appropriate Ministries, Member of Parliament, local councillors or children’s organisations should be contacted. D. I. T. T will continue to lobby for the rights of children with learning difficulties at national and international level. D. I. T. T will campaign for all children to have: – access to education that matches their needs – classroom assistance available where they are capable of integrating into the local system – access to counselling and advocacy at all times – whatever facilities are needed to ensure their equality of opportunity. D. I. T. T will also lobby for: – teachers, professionals and parents to have access to training programmes and forums for the exchange of ideas on methods, materials and good practice – teachers and health-care professionals to be trained in recognising and assessing children with learning difficulties – teachers to be trained in how to adapt their methods to the needs of the child who learns differently – information on rights and facilities for families with children with learning difficulties to be readily available – the promotion of on-going research – the creation and promotion of tools and technologies that enable the dyslexic learner to succeed in a competitive world.
  • 22. 22 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Support groups Such groups have been established at international, European, national, regional and local levels. A list of international and European-level organisations, through which local support groups can be found, is on the D. I. T. T Web site – see ‘Contacts’. National, regional and local groups Further inquiries may also be made through these groups about – others in your area – new associations starting up, or – setting one up yourself. Details of national organisations in Europe can also be found on the D. I. T. T Web site – see ‘Member State Provision.’ Many of these can tell you about what local groups there are.
  • 23. 23 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE General resources The D. I. T. T Web site contains a regularly-updated list of organisations, plus information on reading and teaching materials. Teacher-training General information on local courses for teachers is available through the local ministry of education. D. I. T. T has information on on-line and distance-learning teacher training. For group use we highly recommend ‘How difficult can this be?’ – a teacher training video by Richard Lavoie that demonstrates the experience of being dyslexic. Information technology Information technology can help dyslexic people of all ages with: – basic skills, such as structural practice of phonics, word recognition, spelling and fluency – applying basic skills and learning the meaning of what is read – writing skills, allowing him or her to focus on one process of writing at a time – easy correction of mistakes and the opportunity to edit, so as to produce an attractive piece of work without pressure all of which increase motivation. It is widely acknowledged that the best application of the technology is as part of a structural teaching programme, with the computer being used to give regular practice and reinforcement. The British Dyslexia Association Computer Committee, for example, produces a wide range of booklets giving details of recommended software.
  • 24. 24 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Once your child has started school... ! Keep to a daily schedule: – establish a routine and be consistent – do not change the time-table for eating, play and homework ! Colour-code all books, bags, etc. – so your child recognises them instantly. It works! ! Teach your child: – how to pack and unpack his or her school-bag – how to organise his or her pencil-case
  • 25. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 25 D.I.T.T checklist – for parents seeking the right school for a dyslexic child Basic information about the school Contact details Name of school Address Telephone E-mail address Web site address Name and position of staff consulted Date of visit /phone call Name of special education staff consulted Date of visit /phone call School curriculum This is important where a future move is likely. Is the school curriculum: British /American? Yes # No # Other country Geographical location Is there a school bus service? Yes # No # N/a # Estimated travel time home – school
  • 26. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 26 Teaching provision The purpose of this section is to ensure that the child’s abilities and learning style are well understood and that parents, from the outset, have a clear picture of how the child’s needs may be addressed. Has the school staff seen the educational psychologist’s summary report with recommendations? Yes # No # Do they have the facilities to meet the educational needs of the child: trained staff? Yes # No # equipment (eg computers)? Special needs programmes Does the school cater for children with various disabilities? Yes # No # Details Are all the children with different learning disabilities taught in one group? Yes # No # Does the school have an established special needs programme or learning support unit? Yes # No # Details Are there teachers qualified in dealing with specific learning difficulties /dyslexia? Yes # No # Details Are other members of staff professionally qualified? Yes # No # Details
  • 27. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 27 Regular / mainstream classes Remember the child with learning difficulties may be easily distracted in large classes. If the child is to be integrated, how big are the classes? How do members of staff handle mixed ability teaching? Will there be one class teacher? Yes # No # If not, how many different members of staff will teach the child Are pupils ever taught in small groups Yes # No # individually Yes # No # If a child is taken out of class for individual tuition, what arrangements are made for catching up on classes missed? Classroom aids / assistants Is there a possibility of a classroom assistant alongside the child if this would be useful for both the teacher and the child integrating into a mainstream class? Yes # No # For some or all subjects? Are assistants qualified? Yes # No # experienced? Yes # No # Monitoring progress / the need for on-going assessment How, and how often, does the school measure the child’s social progress? educational progress? Are parents informed about testing? Yes # No # Are parents consulted before final conclusions are drawn and decisions made concerning the child? Yes # No #
  • 28. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 28 Flexibility How is the School willing to adapt its teaching programme as the child develops? Learning a second language Would the child have to take a second language? Yes # No # What is the School’s policy? Exams, tests, marking Continual low grades can have a devastating effect on the child’s self esteem. Is the child with specific learning difficulties graded with or without concessions? Is the child with specific learning difficulties given extra time for internal tests and exams? Yes # No # external tests and exams? Yes # No # What exam syllabus does the school follow that would be best suited to the child with specific learning difficulties? Can the child with specific learning difficulties use any of the following in the classroom? during exams? computer Yes # No # Yes # No # reader / writer Yes # No # Yes # No # spell-check Yes # No # Yes # No # any other aid Yes # No # Yes # No # details
  • 29. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 29 Educational support services Support services available through the school: Educational psychologists Yes # No # Speech therapists Yes # No # Counselling Yes # No # Parent groups Yes # No # Extra help for the child outside school hours Yes # No # For what reasons does the school recommend extra tuition in addition to normal school hours? Is extra tuition available at all stages? Yes # No # When? Where? Does the school prefer a private tutor outside school hours to work in cooperation with the child’s class teacher? Yes # No # Would progress with extra tuition be monitored? Yes # No # If yes, by meeting Yes # No # correspondence Yes # No # Extra-curricula activities – sport, art, music, social groups, etc. When and where do these take place?
  • 30. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 30 Communications between parents and school How often can parents meet the teacher(s)? What are the arrangements for doing so? What parental involvement does the School welcome encourage expect discourage Overall impressions of the school Does it seem to be open-minded? Yes # No # be up-to-date with staff training and appropriate equipment? Yes # No # have a friendly atmosphere? Yes # No # Your reactions Your child’s reactions
  • 31. DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE – D·I·T·T CHECKLIST 31 Finances You may need to find out whether there can be any company /employer payment towards your children’s school fees and, if so, how to apply for it. Basic tuition fees School bursaries /grants / concessions Additional costs: educational psychologist extra tuition classroom assistant alongside child speech therapist extra-curricular activities books equipment uniform school bus other Follow-up Queries With whom When By when
  • 32. 32 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Acknowledgements D. I. T. T wishes to thank – Pauline Key-Kairis, D. I. T. T typographic designer and all parents of children with specific learning difficulties, teachers, educational psychologists, speech therapists, and especially the members and supporters, who made this kit possible, including: – Madelina Barbu – Anne Copeland – Angela Banoi – Ginette Meerapfel – Elenor Texeira Rossel and the Austrian Support group Brussels – Susan van Alsenoy
  • 33. 33 DYSLEXIA HERE AND THERE Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies D. I. T. T volunteers work with leading experts, to create and promote tools that enable dyslexic learners to succeed in a competitive world. Go to the D. I. T. T Web site to find out about our latest projects and resources: www.ditt-online.org Background The idea for making this e-book came from the ‘Action for Dyslexia’ conference held in 1994 at the European Parliament. We have adapted the original text to produce this basic guide for parents. Dyslexia here and there Published by: Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies (D. I. T. T) asbl 1 rue Defacqz B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel & Fax: +32 2-5377066 E-mail: admin@ditt-online.org Web site: www.ditt-online.org Bank account: 310-158 1288-80 Copyright © Dyslexia International – Tools and Technologies (D. I. T. T) 2003 Concept & typographic design: Pauline Key-Kairis Illustrations by courtesy of Quentin Blake Web site design: Dave Rowan Co-ordinator: Judith Sanson