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The Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) Working Group was set up in 2003 to review the arrangements for identifying and assessing SpLDs in higher education students applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). The Working Group was asked to produce a report recommending a framework to guarantee the quality of assessments which diagnose SpLDs. The Working Group has now finished its work and we are pleased to present the final report.
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SpLDs Working Group Final Report |
Click here |
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Frequently asked questions about the Working Group's Report |
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SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and SpLD Test Evaluation Committee (STEC)
The SpLDs Working Group asked a small committee to take a lead in implementing a number of the report’s recommendations. That committee is the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). A sub-committee of SASC, the SpLD Test Evaluation Committee (STEC), will review periodically the list of suitable tests contained in the SpLDs Working Group report and consider new tests for inclusion. Further information about SASC can be found on the website at http://www.sasc.org.uk/
The success of the new framework recommended in the report relies heavily on the support of local authorities who are strongly encouraged to adopt the recommendations. The following schedule shows dates for introducing specific parts of the framework described in the report’s recommendations.
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Diagnostic assessments carried out before September 2006 |
· Local authorities to accept diagnostic assessments carried out by psychologists and suitably qualified specialist teachers. Specialist teachers who assess dyslexia should hold AMBDA (Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association) or a qualification from an advanced training course which assesses adults for dyslexia and is recognised by the British Dyslexia Association’s Accreditation Board. |
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Diagnostic assessments carried out between September 2006 and August 2007 |
· Local authorities to accept diagnostic assessments carried out by psychologists and suitably qualified specialist teachers as above.
· Diagnostic reports to be in the format recommended in the SpLDs Working Group’s report.
· Diagnostic reports to use tests recommended in the SpLDs Working Group’s guidelines or added by the SpLD Test Evaluation Committee (STEC). |
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Diagnostic assessments carried out between September 2007 and August 2008 |
· Local authorities to accept diagnostic reports from psychologists and specialist teachers. Specialist teachers must hold a current practising certificate in assessing specific learning difficulties issued by their relevant professional association (for example, the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS) or Dyslexia Action). Psychologists must hold a current practising certificate issued by their relevant professional association (for example, the British Psychological Society).
· Diagnostic reports to be in the report format recommended in the SpLDs Working Group’s guidelines.
· Diagnostic reports to use tests recommended in the SpLDs Working Group’s guidelines or added by the SpLD Test Evaluation Committee (STEC). |
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Diagnostic assessments carried out from September 2008 |
· Procedures as from September 2007 above plus the following.
· All training for assessing specific learning difficulties to incorporate the SpLDs Working Group’s guidelines. |
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