No extra exam time for dyslexic students criticised
As the 2024 Leaving and Junior Cert examinations get under way, a Cork senator has said dyslexic students “are not on a level playing field with their peers”.
Speaking ahead of the exams, which started yesterday, Wednesday, Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard pointed out that more than 13,000 dyslexic students will sit state exams in Ireland this year with no additional time allowed.
This is despite the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) running a campaign calling for additional exam time as an accommodation similar to the UK and other European countries.
It is also out of step with third level institutions here who do offer additional time to dyslexic students, said Mr Lombard.
“The DAI petition calling for extra time in state exams was discussed at the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen recently with representatives from the State Examinations Committee (SEC) and the Department of Education,” said the senator.
He added: “While it emerged that the SEC will consider a review of additional time as part of an overall review of the Reasonable Accommodations in State Examinations (RACE) scheme and this is welcome, the timeline for this review is expected to be a minimum of two to three years. This is extremely disappointing and no use to students sitting this year’s state exams.”
Students with dyslexia take more time to read, process, and understand the questions being asked of them, continued Mr Lombard.
He added: “In addition, some students with dyslexia may have an accommodation to use a reading pen. This is a fantastic piece of technology and a wonderful aid to students. However, using a reading pen takes longer than reading text and students are not given additional time in these instances either.”
ASTI message
Meanwhile, as more than 136,000 students begin their written Leaving and Junior Cert exams, ASTI President Geraldine O’Brien has urged students to maintain a simple and balanced routine over the coming weeks.
“You have already achieved so much during your time as a second-level student. Your job now is to look after yourself over the coming weeks. A good routine with plenty of rest, some exercise, and time for organising yourself and for social connections, will help you get the most out of the preparation work you have been undertaking over the past number of months,” said Ms O’Brien.
Ms O’Brien thanked all those involved in this year’s Leaving and Junior Cert exams including students, their parents and teachers, the exam superintendents, the examiners, and the State Exams Commission.