As the dyslexia co-ordinator for the Royal Agricultural College, perhaps I
could comment. Firstly, though, let me say I am not an expert [though my
wife is], I just look after their interests here.
We have approximately 15% of our student body with dyslexia - some
identified 'properly' by educational psychologists, some with references or
certificates from various sources certifying their right to extra time in
A-levels [which we won't accept from now on]. I understand form the Working
Party report a couple of years ago that the percentage ranged from <1% in
"traditional universities" to almost 2% in "newer" universities [forgive me,
I forget the exact figures and descriptions]. However we have been an
independent college until this August when we joined the HEFCE fold, so our
student composition may have been skewed by those able to pay and expecting
a small college [c 600 students] to provide a greater degree of
staff-student contact which would presumably benefit the dyslexic student.
Most of our dyslexic students simply want extra time in exams - though a
couple recently have wanted to use word processors in exams.
Term started this morning so I'll know in a few days what the incoming group
are like.
Incidentally - can anyone confirm or deny that a Degree Foundation course
[run for students with either poor A-level scores or inappropriate subjects]
is not eligible for DSA support? One incoming student has been told by
their LEA that they won't get any help until the enter 'higher education
proper'
Dr. John S Conway
Principal Lecturer in Soil Science
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 6JS
Phone +44 (0) 1285 652531 ext 2234
Fax +44 (0) 1285 650219
http://www.royagcol.ac.uk/~john_conway/
<http://www.royagcol.ac.uk/~john_conway/>
-----Original Message-----
From: Jean Hutchins [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 11:42 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Agricultural dyslexic students.
Message text written by "Discussion list for disabled students and
their
support staff."
>I can't answer your question but I'd love to know how these
students
were 'screened'.<
I was passing on an enquiry. I did not receive it first-hand.
"Which test?" would have been my first question too.
I assumed that 1.5 meant percentage, but do not know.
I hope someone will throw some light on that too.
One of my first two dyslexics in 1975 went to an Agricultural
College
in the early 80's and was much better supported there than
he had been in secondary school.
His practical work was excellent.
Jean Hutchins
---------------------------------------------------------------
British Dyslexia Association volunteer
RSA Dip SpLD, AMBDA.
[log in to unmask]
BDA Web: http://www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk/
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