Extra exam time needed for students with dyslexia and dyscalculia at second level, Kildare Senator says

The political representative in question is a former teacher

A Kildare-based Senator has called on the Department of Education to grant extra exam time for students with dyslexia and dyscalculia at second level.

Fianna Faíl Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who is her party's spokesperson on Education and is herself a former teacher, has made the call today.

Speaking in the Seanad yesterday (which also coincided with National Dyslexia Day), Senator O'Loughlin said: "I certainly support the call in terms of introducing extra time for second level students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties.

"The lack of appropriate time is a serious disadvantage to dyslexic students in second-level exams, as well as a barrier to their entry into third-level education."

The Newbridge politician continued: "Many dyslexics read at an average of 50 to 150 words per minute... the average reading speed of people without dyslexia is 250 words per minute, clearly leaving students at a stark disadvantage in terms of reading and comprehension, [which is] a central component of every exam.  

She concluded: "We need to do everything we can to support them."

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (File photograph).