Just a brief note to confirm the new guidance on diagnosis of dyslexia is
now available on the DfES website.  This is definitely the final version
until they amend it next time. Chapter 7A C31 and C32 have now been amended
as follows:

C31   A diagnosis of dyslexia should include an assessment of literacy
skills, intellectual functioning and cognitive processing. Recommended
tests in the Report of the National Working Party on Dyslexia in Higher
Education for assessing intelligence and arithmetic include Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Test (the WAIS),  Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
(the WISC) (for children up to 16 years) and British Ability Scales (2nd
edition). These tests may be administered by a qualified psychologist only
(i.e. chartered psychologists, educational psychologists and clinical or
occupational psychologists). It is recommended that diagnostic reports
provided by chartered, educational, clinical and occupational psychologists
are accepted as evidence of dyslexia.   The WAIS is the most widely used
adult (ages16+) intelligence assessment and may only be administered by
qualified psychologists. It is the recommended test for testing those aged
16+ because other tests which test intelligence may be out of date or only
suitable for those under 16 years.

C32   If the diagnosis was carried out before the age of 16, the student
should be asked to undergo an 'Assessment of Performance Attainment' which
would provide an update on their current performance in reading, writing
and spelling.   Intelligence is unlikely to change significantly even if
the student was diagnosed as a child and therefore there is no requirement
for another assessment of intelligence. However, reading, writing and
spelling could change in adulthood.  The 'Assessment of Performance
Attainment is a 'top up' diagnosis which provides up to date evidence of
the student's current degree of difficulty in reading, writing and
spelling. The top up diagnosis is to establish the likely impact of the
student's specific learning difficulties on the skills needed for higher
education. The top up diagnosis should be based on standardised tests
suitable for adults, such as the Wider Range Achievement Tests (WRAT) and
Woodcock Reading Mastery Test (WRMT). LEAs may also wish to consult section
145 of the Report of the National Working Party on Dyslexia in Higher
Education (published in January 1999) for further advice on suitable 'top
up' tests. The Assessment of Performance Attainment is part of the
diagnosis and the cost should be met by the student. The Assessment of
Performance Attainment could be carried out by a Special Needs Teacher or
qualified psychologists. Teachers should possess a qualification from an
advanced professional training course involving the assessment of adults
for dyslexia. Examples of appropriate qualifications might include: MA and
Postgraduate Diploma in Dyslexia Studies, Diploma in Teaching in Specific
Learning Difficulties (HE and FE), Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in
Specific Learning Difficulties in Further and Higher Education,
Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Professional Studies in Education
(Specific Learning Difficulties (HE and FE), Postgraduate Diploma and M.Ed
in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia), MA Postgraduate Diploma and
Certificate in Dyslexia Studies  (FE/HE/Adult Education/Employment) and
Diploma, Advanced Diploma and M. ED. In Learning Difficulties (specialising
in dyslexia and other learning difficulties) and Certificate of
Professional Studies in Specific Learning Difficulties. Once an LEA has
accepted the diagnostic report, there is no requirement for the student to
undergo a new diagnosis later in the course. A diagnostic report accepted
for a first course should also be accepted for subsequent courses,
including postgraduate courses.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kath Henderson
Team Leader - Student Support
Education Department
Overseas House
PO Box 191
Quay Street
Manchester             Tel. No: 0161 234 7076
M3 3ST                   Fax No: 0161 234 7004










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