[SENco-forum] Access arrangements (was Extra Time for sats)

I do not see that there should be a problem - extra time like any other
access arrangement requires assessment to prove need, as well as, evidence
of a prior history of need and suitable support. If schools assessed and
monitored handwriting speed yearly the same as spelling or reading age there
would not be a problem and those with difficulties would be picked up and
supported earlier.

One of my dilemmas as a teacher of handwriting is whether it is best to move
a child who is writing in the bottom 10% for speed upwards by proper
instruction and practise, or, whether to leave them there in order to be
able to have additional time.  By improving their speed a little I might be
putting them in a worse position than their peers with average writing
speed.

On another related tack -

My concern is for my daughter (severe dyslexia/Statemented) who although she
gets up to 25% of extra time is not allowed to use her TextHELP screen
reader/talking spellchecker that is her normal way of working.  Without
these she is stuffed.  A reader/scribe is not her normal way of working as
the BECTA supplied equipment made her an independent learner and able to
access the curriculum as her peers. Now when she need this for her exams it
will be taken away turning her support into no more than a typewriter.

Sharon

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