Calls made in Tipperary for fairer exams for students with disabilities
Cllr Declan Burgess issued a statement this week
A Tipperary County Councillor is calling on the Government to work towards making state examinations fairer for those with disabilities.
A statement was made by Cllr Declan Burgess, ahead of World Dyslexia Day, which takes place on October 8, which is part of Dyslexia Awareness Month all throughout October.
In his statement, Cllr Burgess said: “I am once again calling Government to change to how state examinations are run for students who are dyslexic, dyscalculic or neurodivergent in Ireland. It’s time for fair exams for all.
“The accommodation of extra time is not currently available for dyslexic students in Junior and Leaving Cert exams, putting them at a significant disadvantage while taking state exams. This proposed change is about supporting all our students. Exams times can be challenging and difficult, especially for students with learning difficulties.
“The introduction of extra time as an accommodation for those who need it would be very welcomed and would ensure students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties reach their potential in state exams. Unfortunately in the current set up these students are often unable to fully demonstrate their knowledge and ability in state exams.
“I have written to the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and Minister at the Department of Education to support Dyslexia Ireland’s campaign to put dyslexic students on a fair footing.
“Despite significant public support for this proposal the State Examinations Commission has not yet confirmed if extra time will be introduced. We cannot let another cohort Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students be denied accommodations commonly available.
“I am urgently asking Government to make this necessary and common sense change to support students with dyslexia reach their full potential”.