Allowing dyslexic students extra time in Leaving Certificate exams is not giving them an “unfair advantage”, according to campaigners.
The State Examination Commission has warned giving dyslexic students extra time in exams could have “unintended consequences”.
SEC Chief Andrea Feeney said some students may “use” the extra time to “gain an advantage”, clarifying she does not mean students with “special educational needs”.Dyslexia Association of Ireland CEO Rosie Bissett said the group is “very disappointed” with the response from the SEC. “It shows they really have a lack of understanding about the complexity and significance of dyslexia for students,” she toldShe noted that other countries and universities in Ireland offer extra time to dyslexic students for exams.Leaving Cert students with dyslexia currently have access to a scribe, laptop and reader.Ms Bissett pointed out, however, that these services are rarer than people imagine.
“We're far from a situation where things are skewed in the favour of those with dyslexia and other learning difficulties,” she said.“There is nothing in our education system where all students with dyslexia qualify – you have to have it to a severe degree to get it.”Countries that allow additional time for dyslexic students also offer scribes, laptops and readers, according to Ms Bissett.
She also pointed out that most students do not get a scribe or reader and only receive a waiver on spelling and grammar in language exams.“Certainly, the language... it’s almost implied that you’re trying to gain the system,” she said.A petition to introduce time accommodations for dyslexic students currently has 30,000 signatures.
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