Mary Haslum [of the University of the West of England] presented a very thoughtful and interesting paper on the first topic at the British Dyslexia Association’s International Conference, held at Warwick, Easter, 2004.

 

She [and her co-worker Mo], compared the outcomes of using QuickScan, StudyScan and educational psychologists to diagnose dyslexia.  If my memory serves me correctly, the level of disagreement between StudyScan and Ed. Psych’s diagnoses was about 20% to 25%.   This level of discrepancy raises serious questions of validity.  

 

Mary also drew attention to the fact that StudyScan is not a completely automated assessment, so quite a high level of skilled input is required from whoever has responsibility for overseeing assessments.

 

I hope that Mary’s talk will be included on the BDA CD of the Warwick Conference.  [This is due for publication this June/July].

 

 

The paper Mary presented was a joint one by herself and Mo Kiziewicz [of the University of Bath], titled’ Identification of Dyslexia: Hi Tech or Hi Touch?’

 

 

My additional concern about the use of ‘automated’ computerised assessments is that these are designed for the diagnosis of dyslexia.  Students with undiagnosed specific learning difficulties are not all dyslexic.  Life is far more complicated.  Dyspraxia, ADD, ADHD, are all possibilities, as is Asperger’s.  The overlap between these SpLDs is also quite high. 

 

Half a diagnosis, which may also be the wrong diagnosis, is a possibility.  

 

At the end of the day, it is a case of the degree of confidence that you – and the student – can have in the validity of the diagnosis.  Educational Psychologists don’t always get it right [or Charted Psychologists either], but if you know that the ones you refer students to routinely check the student profile against the range of possible outcomes, then the degree of confidence in the outcome will be higher than one based on a one-dimensional approach towards  SpLDs.  

 

Best wishes,

 

David

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Claire Shanks
Sent: 28 May 2004 09:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Few Queries

 

Good morning!

I have a few queries:

1. I wondered if anyone has any thoughts/opinions on the CD-ROM 'StudyScan' and it's use as a screening tool for dyslexia?  One of our schools has purchased this, however, I do have reservations and would appreciate some advice.

2. Does anyone have a job description for a proof reader?

Thank you. 

With best wishes
Claire

Disability Support Manager
Disability Support Service
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH

Tel: 01484 473940
Fax: 01484 472560