Dyslexia support needs to improve in classrooms

The nightmare in the classroom faced by many children with dyslexia is underscored by an abysmally low level of pre-service training among teachers to provide the right supports.

A new survey by the Dsylexia Association Ireland (DAI) found a paltry 30% of teachers reported receiving any pre-service training on dyslexia or special learning difficulties.

Unsurprisingly almost all teachers surveyed — 97% — agreed that they need and would benefit from training on dyslexia.

The findings, released to coincide with Dyslexia Awareness Week, show the struggle faced by parents with more than three quarters (76%) believing that early identification of dyslexia would help their child.

Rosie Bissett, CEO of DAI, said families are forced to seek private assessment and supports as the education system is simply not meeting their needs.

“Our survey also shows that even after dyslexia is identified, 55% of parents report ongoing difficulty in gaining help for their child,” Ms Bissett said.

She said research has long shown the benefits of early identification and targeted intervention.

Ms Bissett said with two thirds of parents dissatisfied with the level of Government support provided to assist families dealing with dyslexia, and a further 22% unsure of what the Government actually provides, “there is a lot of work to be done by the Government in assisting families”.

More information on the survey and detail of fundraising activities can be found on dyslexia.ie.

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty affecting the acquisition of fluent and accurate reading and spelling skills. It affects approximately 10% of the population.