I completely agree with you Katherine and instigated the question to bring
the point to light. I carry out the majority of my assessments on students
with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties and have yet to write
two reports that are exactly the same.
I think it is only too easy for LEAs to carry out this practice, although I
wonder how they would fair during their audit?
It is clear that we need specific rules that should be both generic and
followed rigidly to ensure that the most accurate assessment of needs takes
place and best quality of service is provided. I find it very frustrating ,
after all the discussions that have taken place in relation to QAG, that
LEAs still think that the issue of dyslexia can be 'solved' in one stroke by
providing a student with a computer.
Mark Boyce
-----Original Message-----
From: Katherine Henderson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 January 2004 16:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Providing quotes without an Assessment of Needs
Surely the answer that should be coming through loud and clear is no there
isn't a generic list of equipment. This is why students are sent for
individual assessments.
The DfES Guidance is clear that LEAs should send students for an
assessment. The QAG Guidance, which doesn't, I'm afraid, stretch to
Scotland, is more specific about where those assessments should be taking
place in future.
Presumably the student should have an individual package of support (and
not merely equipment!) to enable them to access the course no matter which
stage of the course they are at. It is perhaps a symptom of LEA Officers'
lack of confidence in assessments being an individual report for a unique
set of circumstances that they are trying to bypass the assessment
procedure to save time and money. Given the large number of reports that
come across as being a straight cut and paste job, maybe they could be
forgiven for this.
Personally I would still expect a student at a late stage of the course to
have an assessment - the assessor should have the knowledge and experience
to recommend appropriate and cost effective support for what remains of the
course. That may not necessarily be a standard set of equipment -
eligibility for DSA does not equal entitlement to a computer.
Kath Henderson
Team Leader - Student Support
Education Department
Overseas House
PO Box 191
Quay Street
Manchester Tel. No: 0161 234 7076
M60 3ST Fax No: 0161 234 7004
"Boyce, Mark"
<[log in to unmask] To:
[log in to unmask]
K> cc:
Sent by: Subject: Providing quotes
without an Assessment of
"Discussion list Needs
for disabled
students and
their support
staff."
<DIS-FORUM@JISCMA
IL.AC.UK>
27/01/2004 10:03
Please respond to
"Discussion list
for disabled
students and
their support
staff."
I have received a request from an LEA to provide a quote for a student with
dyslexia for equipment without carrying out a Needs Assessment. The reason
given for this is the late stage of his course. Is this acceptable and if
so
is there a generic list of equipment that could be recommended?
Mark Boyce
Dyslexia Support Tutor (UWIC)
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