One of the greatest frustrations for many teachers driven by targets is the need to focus unduly on the average performer in the class. Those struggling as well the brighter pupil can be neglected in preference for those in contention. But as many as 10 per cent of the class may be children struggling with dyslexia.
All too often children suffering from dyslexia are needlessly overlooked, which is why the dyslexia sector is calling for better training for teachers in special educational needs (SEN). Currently this is not compulsory in initial teacher training or their continuing professional development. In the hands of a trained teacher corrective support can be called on to stimulate such children that can radically improve their learning capacity.
The dyslexia sector is therefore calling on the future Government to:
Dyslexia Action Chief Executive Kevin Geeson said: “It is vital that the next Government adopts these recommendations. All teachers need to have a basic awareness of dyslexia to ensure that they can identify it more readily in the classroom, and know how best to empower and assist those children who may otherwise be left behind.”