Written answers

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that all children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties are provided with the assistance needed for the leaving certificate this year. [23275/14]

Photo of Ciarán CannonCiarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. Children with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, as well as those with physical conditions, are accommodated in the examinations under the SEC's scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE Scheme). However, the existence of a specific learning difficulty does not automatically make a candidate eligible to avail of reasonable accommodations in the certificate examinations. Even though candidates may have a specific difficulty with reading, writing or spelling, they may not require the provision of any special accommodations provided that they can read the examination papers at the required level and write legibly.

Appeals against any aspect of the SEC's decision on RACE applications can be made to an Appeals Committee which is independent of the SEC. Neither I nor my Department have any role in reviewing decisions on RACE made by the SEC or the Independent Appeals Committee.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.