Choosing a private school for your child with dyslexia
August 30th, 2011
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Most private schools have a process in place to support dyslexia in children. Choosing one school over another often comes down to the schools attitude towards a student with dyslexia, particularly when it comes to Year 11 and Year 12. During your discussions with them it will become apparent what the school thinks. (I mean the principal really, as they set the tone).Many students with dyslexia, as you know are generally intelligent, with some being highly intelligent. Private schools are a good place for them as they have the opportunity to really shine in many subject areas with good teachers and good opportunities. It is a difficulty to process the English language that creates the difficulty for them when it comes to formal exams and assessments. Private schools, in fact any school must be geared and experienced to understand what is required by VCCA (The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Association) the body that organises the external formal exams, in order for your child to receive accommodations if she requires them. Such accommodations are readily available at university and TAFE, it just seems to be our secondary school system that is unable to readily provide the appropriate accommodations that our kids need in Year 11 and 12. This is the case for two reasons VCAA make it extremely difficult for students to get accommodations without enormous amounts of paperwork and a documented history of accommodations being provided from Year 7. The other reason is that many teachers do not understand this or how to apply for the accommodations appropriately. Some private schools also base their marketing strategy on Year and 11 and 12 results and may discriminate against a with a child with dyslexia for this reason, concerned that too many dyslexic students will bring down their scores. A very short sighted view considering how amazing these kids can be with the right support in place. Many of Australia’s top entrepreneurs are dyslexic. We need more of them, not more university professors, which is what private schools try to produce.When you send your children to a private school you are purchasing a product (your child’s education) and you are well within your rights to take legal action if your child is not provided with this. This is not something I recommend however I know there are currently many court cases taking place for this very reason. Private schools know this all too well and as a result if they are academically inclined may not offer your child a place. Some say they are open entry, but when it comes down to it they are not really and a place may not be offered. You want your child in a school that embraces her learning style and makes her feel confident every day. Her confidence is more important than her school results as when she leaves formal schooling behind with your ongoing support she will no doubt have a great future ahead of her.Just so you know, any school that does not provide support to a child with dyslexia is breaching the Anti Discrimination Act (Education Standards 2005) there is more on this in my book. There is also a Human Rights issue and the VIC commissioner has been in contact with me recently on this topic.I wish you every success in choosing the right school for your child. I know it is a big decision having made this decision recently myself.
Categories: Helping Children With Dyslexia
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