The Government is to train 4000 specialist teachers in England to provide every local group of schools with access to one, while there will be two other levels of support. The moves are a response to Sir Jim Rose's review of provision for dyslexic learners.
Dyslexia Scotland (DS) said there had been significant improvements north of the border too, but said specialist teachers were few and far between.
Cathy Magee, the charity's chief executive, said: "There are still far too many children who are not identified as early as they could be and therefore who do not receive the support they need when they need it.
"Though there are no statistics available in Scotland on how many specialist teachers there are, we know that there are presently insufficient to be making any real impact. DS would like to see a specialist teacher available to every school and favours the three levels of expertise proposed south of the border. This could make a real difference to outcomes for the children and young people concerned."
At present, hundreds of families turn to DS in desperation because schools do not appreciate the difficulties their youngsters face, she said. The charity provides a list of specialist tutors.
The Scottish charity is watching developments in England closely and working with its counterpart, the British Dyslexia Association. "We welcome the recommendations made by the Sir Jim Rose review and the subsequent announcements in England," said Dr Margaret Crombie, education adviser for DS. "We also welcome the significant developments in Scotland - including the HMIe review in Scotland, the agreement on a working definition of dyslexia; the commitment to a Framework for Inclusion; and the development of DS's dyslexia assessment resource. There is nonetheless a long way to go towards identifying and then helping all dyslexic learners appropriately."
Ongoing advice, information and support for parents, children and young people are also vital.
Dyslexia Scotland's Assessment Working Group is developing a web-based resource for teachers for the assessment of literacy difficulties which is upported by the Scottish Government and due to be launched in January.
- Dyslexia Scotland's Helpline - 0844 800 8484 - is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm for confidential advice. Visit www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk
1 comment:
Dyslexia is a neurological development disorder. The symptoms are clear but there is no proper medication found on it. It is also found in children. There are many big personalities also who suffers from dyslexia. Kinesis and Eurythmics has proved effective.
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