In arriving at a diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty, a psychologist
is both drawing a link between an observed cognitive deficit and specified
negative impacts on aspects of academic performance, and is convinced, at a
clinical level of judgement, that these will result in under-performance.
In such instances, teaching and assessment accommodations should be
legitimatly offered.
I would argue that any recommendations outside of this framework [unless
based on other factors, such as a physical disability or medical condition]
should be refused.
There is such considerability variability within the student body that there
is no way each variation can be accommodated. Slow writing speed can occur
for any number of reasons and, having marked some thousands of exam scripts
in my time, I and others much prefer a scrip that has been written slowly,
neatly and succinctly, compared with a kitchen-sink approach that fills two
extra booklets and is unreadable. That is, a slow speed of writing may well
be an asset.
I think it is Henry James who once wrote, If I had longer to write this
letter it would have been shorter. Good writing does not require speed -
the converse may well be true.
David
David Grant, PhD., Chartered Psychologist
dyslexia diagnosis - a specialist service for students
3 Rosebank Road
Hanwell
London W7 2EW
Tel: 020 8579 1902
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
----------
>From: Kirsty Mackenzie <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Variation to assessment for non-dyslexic students
>Date: Tue, Nov 26, 2002, 11:30 am
>
>Hi,
>
>How do other HEIs deal with the issue of students whose Educational
>Psychologist states that they do not have a specific learning difficulty but
>do require extra time in exams due to slower writing speed (for example)?
>
>If you action these recommendations, is there then an issue of inequity to
>(non-dyslexic) students who have not had an EP assessment? Are you then in a
>position where, in fairness you should then be offering EP assessments to
>all students at the institution? (with nigh on 20,000 students, I don't
>think our Hardship Fund could stretch to this, let alone our admin systems!)
>
>Any feedback or advice would be welcomed!
>
>Kirsty
>
>Disability Coordinator
>Student Services
>University of Brighton
>(01273) 642885
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