17th February 2012 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Dyslexic pupils at a disadvantage in new Government reforms.
Ministers have been accused of discriminating against dyslexic pupils by announcing plans to award 5% of marks in GCSE exams for spelling, punctuation and grammar as part of a drive to improve communication skills.
This move reverses the last ten years of policy whereby dyslexic pupils were supported by a lack of emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar in exams and coursework.
A spokesman for Ofqual has confirmed there will be no special exemptions from the marking regime for dyslexic pupils. However, as was the case previously, a pupil with a statement of special educational needs can gain up to 25% of extra time in exams. This can also be made available for a pupil with an evidence-backed recommendation from a suitably qualified teacher or psychologist. But the process of attaining extra time is difficult for many pupils and parents, particularly when expert help is not on hand in schools.
If you are a tutor with specialist skills for teaching dyslexic students then this may be a good time to highlight them. If you have never tutored dyslexic students or if you suspect you might be tutoring someone at the moment who has dyslexia then here is a good link to look at
http://www.easyreadsystem.com/info/dyslexia.html
Specialist tutors are now being removed from schools, owing to budgetary constraints, so it may fall to private tuition to fill the gap. If you have the skills make sure they are highlighted on your profile. Students often ask for tutors with specialist abilities and it means the team at Blue Tutors can match you up more appropriately if you are clear.