British Dyslexia Association submits evidence to cross-party Future Perfect Education Commission
Wednesday 11 September 2019
Established by Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, and lead by education experts from across the political spectrum, including Kevin Courtney, General Secretary, NUT, and Jo Owen, Co-founder, TeachFirst, the Future Perfect Education Commission is looking at what education could be with wholesale reform.
The British Dyslexia Association was invited to submit evidence to the Commission and has prepared a report looking at ways to create an education system that fully empowers dyslexia. You can read the full report here.
Helen Boden, CEO, British Dyslexia Association, said:
“Currently, we teach a knowledge focused curriculum and assess it through written exams. It’s no wonder successful dyslexics talk about succeeding despite school.
“It is great to be part of a project looking at education strategically. In the right environment, dyslexia strengths are hugely powerful. Education can be a place where dyslexics flourish and the changes to make it happen benefits everyone.”
The report suggests three priorities:
- Teach and measure problem solving, understanding and communication on an even standing to knowledge. This will not only empower dyslexic pupils to reach their full potential, but also better equip all pupils for society and the workplace.
- Make technology mainstream, like in the workplace. Allowing anyone who wishes to use a laptop (with the adequate anti-cheating provisions enabled) in any exam has no drawbacks for universities or future employers but means that everyone’s abilities to operate in today’s communications environment are accurately reflected, ending an unnecessary discrimination against dyslexic pupils.
- Have a specialist dyslexia teacher in every school. For £3,900 a teacher can be trained to AMBDA level 7 enabling them to diagnose and support young people with dyslexia. In almost all cases, these specialist teachers can provide excellent support without the need for the complexity and rigour of an EHCP.