Free Virtual Event - Exams Masterclass

Exam time can be a stressful period for any student, but especially for students who struggle with reading and writing. We know that Exams Officers and SENCos work hard to provide students with consistent, secure and approved support in exams and beyond. We want to help.

This masterclass includes many speakers with vast levels of experience and expertise and is well worth a watch. 

This is essential viewing for all secondary schools, and helpful viewing for all parents as it is filled with tips and advice you need to enable exam success for every student.

Register online to watch the recording and learn how to support students with access arrangements using technology.

STOP Dyslexic Learners Underperforming in Exams 1 Hour Webinar

It’s never too early to start helping students achieve their potential in exams.

This FREE webinar is designed to help parents and educators set students up for academic success.

Learn about technologies and techniques to raise attainment and boost confidence.

• The technologies that can radically transform exam results in essay subjects

• Help set children up to use these technologies, Relevant for students from 6-18+ years of age

• While helpful for all ages, this training is ESSENTIAL for those supporting teenagers.

• The exam accommodations discussed are pertinent to the UK, but the principles could be helpful for other regions.

DON'T LET ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR GO BY WITHOUT THIS VITAL INFORMATION.

About the speaker

Caroline Bateman helped her own children go from failing to excelling at school. Inspired by their success and alarmed that many schools were not utilising basic technology, she founded Achieve Now to help stop dyslexic learners from underachieving needlessly.

I would like to help students achieve their potential

STOP 1 Hour Webinar

Fantastic Resources to Help Children Learn to Read

Some children find learning to read and spell exceedingly difficult. These children can benefit enormously from help at home.

Get equipped to teach your child

Teaching your own child to read isn’t always an easy task. I have collated some resources to make it much, much easier.

THE EARLIER THE INTERVENTION, THE BETTER THE CHANCE OF
CATCHING UP & KEEPING UP

FREE eBook includes:

• FREE online resources to train parents

• Paper based intervention solutions

• Electronic intervention solutions

• How to access free trials of solutions

• Tips on making it work for your family

• Help to decide where to start

Spend your precious time supporting your child/children rather than repeating research I’ve already done

Let me know who to send this eBook to

Send me FANTASTIC Resources to Teach Children How to Read

Resources to help teach reading 2

How to help children develop a love of reading

It is no secret that children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better in formal exams than their peers.
 
Reading for pleasure was found to be more important for children’s cognitive development than their parents’ level of education.  Click here for the full report.

Reading for pleasure not only improves academic success, it has also been shown to improve emotional intelligence, empathy, creativity, confidence and general wellbeing.

The list of benefits goes on and on.  Click here for more research on this subject.

Today, children have so much online and offline entertainment available to them, that struggling through reading isn’t always an attractive option. 

Evidence suggests that most children say that they don’t enjoy reading. 

If for whatever reason a child struggles learning to read, expecting them to read for pleasure is ambitious.

Knowing from first hand experience how very hard it can be to instil a love of reading in dyslexic children, I’ve created this video to share honestly about the mistakes I made and what I would do if I had my time over again.

Download my free pamphlet on
How to help children develop a LOVE of reading

To help parents, I have also created a fun pamphlet packed full of practical ideas that will not only make reading together something you both enjoy, it will also help deepen the emotional connection with your child.

I'd like to download - How to help children develop a love of reading

How to help children develop a love of reading 2

For more helpful information, subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

Online Learning Resources That Help Learners Exceed Expectations

Traditional teaching methods do not work for everyone.  Taking notes whilst being taught and reading textbooks does not play to the strengths of students with dyslexia or other learning differences.  

When restricted to learning this way, bright students often underachieve. 

I’ve collated resources that can alleviate the need for students to:

• take comprehensive notes in class

• read and remember lengthy academic text books

Many of the resources included are free!!

Send me the eBook - Online Resources That Help Learners Exceed Expectations

Online resources to help learners exceed expectations 2

Get better grades when using Google Docs with Read & Write

School closures are hard for students, parents and teachers.

Video - Get better grades using Google Docs with Read & Write

This video details how the Read Write Chrome Extension can significantly improve grades for students using Google Docs.

It is a long video because there are SO MANY helpful features.  To locate pertinent info quickly I have supplied start times/contents in the YouTube details to allow you to jump to specific features. 

I have selected the most helpful tools on offer and want to show you how to benefit from them for FREE!!!

I would advise watching the whole video as you might learn about helpful features you had no idea existed. If rushed,

To help discover new helpful features, I would recommend amending the settings to increase the playback speed and watch it through quickly, slowing down when functionality is relevant.

By signing up to our mailing list you will gain access to slides used and lots of other helpful free resources.

Improve Teacher Assessed Grades

In this challenging time for parents, teachers and students, I have created a video and eBook to support remote learning.

Click on the image above to watch a video that introduces and compliments the eBook

Video

• This quick video (above) explains how and why the government's plan to assess students this year could benefit learners that find school and exams hard.

Watching BEFORE reading the eBook is advised.

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Parental support is key to improving grades

eBook

• This eBook goes into more detail than the video and is easier to refer to.

• Pages can be printed and used as a checklist.

• It is crammed with ideas and resources to aid remote learning and improve teacher assessed grades.

By signing up to our mailing list you will gain access to this dynamic eBook to help parents and students improve teacher assessed grades.

Click on the button below to access the eBook.

Access Improve Teacher Assessed Grades eBook

How to Improve Teacher Assessed Grades

Ideas to Support Learning From Home

Ideas to help students thrive & parents survive

As a parent, I am devastated that schools will not be opening after the Christmas vacation.

To try to help during the delay, I have created a video to give parents some ideas on how to support learning from home. Please find the link below:

Click on the image above to watch our video full of ideas to help parents during school closures

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to download a copy of the slides used in the video above (complete with helpful links).

Great gifts for dyslexics

A DEVICE FOR EVERY BUDGET AND AGE

Being wickedly dyslexic, I rely heavily on fab devices every day.

At a time when many are looking for gift ideas, I’ve pulled together information on all my fave devices to help you decide if they are a good fit for your loved ones.

Rather than trying to explain their fantastic features in writing, I’ve created quick videos so you can see them in action. 
This short video explains my reasons for putting this playlist together.

The order in which devices appear is determined
by their cost rather than a ranking.

I've started with the cheapest option, with a price tag of less than £20.

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Trackers (or Finders)

These tiny, affordable devices can save a world of time and frustration. I love them!! Watch this video to find out:

• What are they?

• Who would use them and why?

• How much they cost?

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Amazon products

The next 3 videos were created when Amazon were heavily discounting these products.  The videos explain the dyslexia friendly features. Even full price they are extremely helpful. 

I recommend watching all 3 videos for full information.

Kindles

There are many different types of Kindle, all of them have dyslexia friendly functionality. This video explains which functionality is available on which devices.

Echo Personal Assistants

Echo is a smart speaker device fitted with a voice-activated virtual assistant. Amazon supply Alexa functionality in both Kindle Fire and Echo devices. Many do not realize it is available on their Kindle Fire.

The quality of the microphone and speakers varies considerably. Watching the video will allow you to experience the difference in quality, to make more informed decisions.

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Smart Pens

A smart pen is a pen that contains a camera, an audio recorder and a built-in computer that enables users to record, save and upload data.

Livescribe Echo Pen

For me, this is the single most helpful device I use when taking notes in lectures/lessons.

Given that I frequently encourage people to learn to touch type, most people are surprised to find that I use this smartpen to take notes.

It is an EXCELLENT device, but it is extremely hard to describe in words. Hence, I made the video. I think you'll be amazed by what it can do.

Livescribe have brought out a few new versions of their smart pen, these include the LiveScribe 3 and the Ageir Pens, personally, I find the older Echo pen the best when converting pages of handwritten notes into typed text.

The more modern versions of the pen require a mobile device. The Echo pen does NOT need a mobile device to convert hand written notes into text. This makes it a very cost-effective option for some.

Once you have mobile devices, there are other apps that are available (see the iPad with Noteability App video below).

My son did his own research before going to uni and talked me into buying him a Neo pen. I will get him to help me review it when he is next home.

Ageir Pen

To help you evaluate it I have included some videos created by Livescribe.

It's worth remembering that the first video is designed to sell the pen. It's a very impressive video. When I create a video, my purpose is to equip you make informed decisions.

This second video goes some way to persuading me that the Ageir pen does have the features that make the Echo pen so valuable to me.

Namely, the ability to:

• search on handwritten text

• intelligent audio playback

• share notes with intelligent audio

I will try to find time to evaluate the Aegir pen very soon and post a video on YouTube. If you haven’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, do so and hit the bell and then you'll be informed when I upload new videos.

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Smartwatches

A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a watch; they provide a touchscreen or voice activated interface for ease of use.

For years I have helped older students to be more productive and organised by using reminders, diary applications and dictation on their smartphones. For some students this is life changing. For others, no matter how well set up their phones are, they don't benefit because they simply don't look at it and therefore they miss all the helpful prompts.

For anyone who falls into this category, a smartwatch could be an excellent investment, then reminders/prompts are not missed.

I found this article helpful, it details how smartwatches can be used to improve productivity.

https://uk.pcmag.com/smartwatches-1/76169/how-a-smartwatch-can-keep-you-more-organized

Apple Watch

I've always known I would benefit from a smartwatch but have been waiting for prices to come down.

As I have an iPhone and an iPad, it makes the most sense for me to use an Apple Watch.

Apple now price the Apple Watch Version 3 to compete with the Fitbit, so I bought one.
In this video, I explain how I use my Apple watch.

Given that I am still learning how to get the most out of my smart watch, I've also included a video by someone who is more knowledgeable than me, to show you how it can be used.

Children's Smartwatches

Even at the discounted price, I wouldn't purchase an Apple Watch for a young child.

However, younger children can benefit from wearing a device that prompts them when they're required to do something.

There are now many smartwatches for children. I've included this video to explain how they could be used.

This article ranks different smartwatches designed for children.

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iPads

The iPad was introduced in 2010 and has evolved a lot since then. In 2019 Apple launched its 8th generation model.

Reconditioned iPad

There are many reasons why a reconditioned iPad is a great, cost effective device for dyslexics.  Be aware that the older models do not have some of the key dyslexia friendly functionality.

This video explains why I think they are a good option.

8th Generation iPad

In 2019, Apple released a new, more affordable iPad (10.2 inch screen) that is compatible with the Apple Pencil. 

I am reliably informed that these two Apple devices, plus the Notability app can drastically improve note taking. This video shows how they work together.

Currently, I have no experience of using these three tools together. I use the LiveScribe Echo pen (as described above) which I am incredibly happy with.  Most people prefer writing in a book to writing on a tablet.

This video shows

• How Notability could be used on this new cheaper iPad with the Apple pencil

• Compares the iPad Pro and the cheaper 10.2 inch base model

• Paperlike screen protector which makes the screen feel more like writing on paper

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Laptops

Click on the image above to learn what to consider when buying a device.

I’m often asked what laptop is best for dyslexic learners. Obviously, the device I would suggest depends on the individual's requirements.

I have written lots to help make informed decisions when shopping.

Christmas is an EXPENSIVE time of year

This FREE eBook that could save you a fortune

Click on the image above to request a copy of this eBook

I know from first-hand experience how expensive dyslexia can be and how families can waste money on solutions because it isn’t in anyone’s interest to promote free solutions.  

This motivated me to create this eBook

100+ FREE Solutions & Resources to
Improve Grades for Dyslexics

I give this eBook to everyone that signs up to the Achieve Now mailing list.

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COVID Restrictions Over the Christmas holiday

The restrictions mean many of us will not be as hectic as usual over the Christmas holiday period.

‘When life gives you lemons....’

While it will be sad not to hang out with as many friends and family, I have decided to 'make lemonade' by using the extra time, not to sit in front of the TV but to learn more about supporting dyslexic learning. It provides an opportunity to do some online training.

If you’ve found these videos useful, can I recommend looking around the Achieve Now YouTube channel?

If you subscribe to the channel, do then hit the bell button to be informed when I create new videos.

Learn how to support dyslexic learners

I know first-hand how hard the education system can be, not only for dyslexic students but also for their parents.

I read Facebook posts daily from parents who are anxious because schools are not supporting their children adequately. 

They are legitimately concerned that without support, their children will not achieve what they are capable of in formal exams, with the inevitably adverse impact on future life opportunities.

DON’T JUST WAIT FOR SCHOOLS TO
PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT

Having researched the subject of technology to transform learning for dyslexics for a decade and taught many students to exceed expectations, I have a wealth of knowledge I am keen to share to stop dyslexic learners from struggling needlessly.

I pass on this information through workshops, consultancy, resources on my website and by answering questions on Facebook.

IF SCHOOLS CANNOT PROVIDE HE NECESSARY SUPPORT,
PARENTS CAN!

I have a genuine passion to convey what I have learned to other parents so they don’t have to wait for school to provide the needed support.

PARENTS ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORT
THEIR CHILDREN NEED

Parents can provide the one to one assistance that very few schools ever could. They have a vested interest in learning how to support dyslexic learning, but training in how to do so is extremely limited. 

Not all children will work with their parents. My children were resistant to working with me.

While I cannot guarantee your children’s compliance, I can share what helped my children to work with me.

I WANT TO PASS ON WHAT I’VE LEARNED TO STOP DYSLEXICS STRUGGLING NEEDLESSLY

The sooner helpful strategies in place the better. Time is precious, the longer learners struggle the more harm is done to confidence.

Click on the image above to go to the Achieve Now YouTube Channel

Whenever I run workshops, I never have sufficient time to talk about all the solutions available to help.

The same is true when responding to Facebook questions.

My own writing skills are inadequate to communicate all I want to share. Facebook comments to parents’ questions are also a limited means of communication. 

So, after many years, this simple intention has come to fruition - I now have the Achieve Now YouTube Channel!

Click on the image above to see a sample of the videos

The channel is a work in progress, and I’ll be adding to it consistently.

It’s an extremely flexible way of transferring knowledge.

Below I have selected a few videos to give you a flavour of what is available.

I intend to create many, many more!

I’d recommend you SUBSRCIBE to the channel and hit the Bell button, to be informed when I create new videos.

Advice of choosing a device for dyslexic learners

I am often asked about the best device to buy for a child or student.

This question is difficult to answer quickly, as it depends not only on your budget, but also on what the device will be used for.

There are many factors to consider. Each of the links below will help you to make a more informed decision.

What do I want my new device to be able to do?

Device specification to take into consideration

Must one device do everything?

Which device should I choose?

Amazon devices that help dyslexic Learners

Amazon Kindle Fire and Echo devices can be helpful for dyslexic learners.

Amazon normally discounts twice a year during Prime and Black Friday sales.

Amazon’s Prime event in 2021 is 21st-22nd June

I love a bargain!! Plus, I am passionate about helping dyslexics thrive. For me, Amazon sales are a winning combination.

However, it’s only a bargain IF you need it.

Make informed buying decisions by watching these three videos that explain the many learning/dyslexia friendly features of these Amazon devices.

3 videos that explain how these
devices help learners.

I’d recommend you watch the first introductory, video as it shares information that surprisingly few know.

More detail on Kindle features

More detail on Alexa / Echo features

I hope you get a helpful bargain.

FREE Webinars

INTRODUCING TECHNOLOGY TO
TRANSFORM LEARNING

&

HOW TO SET DYSLEXICS UP
FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Sign Up for our Newsletter to take advantage of our two comprehensive FREE webinars to set up dyslexic learners for academic success.

The earlier the attainment gap is narrowed the better.

This reduces the damage to student’s self-esteem and aspiration levels.

Without confidence, it is hard for any student to achieve, no matter how capable they may be.

To receive the webinar recordings and accompanying slides (complete with helpful links), please supply your details.

*Please note that by providing me with your details above you will be consenting to me sending you newsletters. You can unsubscribe anytime on the bottom of each email.

Dyslexia Friendly Learning Tools

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How families can access RNIB Bookshare during school closures

I am a HUGE fan of RNIB Bookshare. I never miss an opportunity to promote it.

In my opinion it is one of the key resources to help dyslexics and all those with print disabilities achieve academically. Sadly, it is often under used.

Until lockdown, only schools could apply for membership. Now schools are closed it has been made available for families.

This is an exert from the RNIB Bookshare website about parents getting access.

Evidence of the disability must be supplied. The staff are super helpful. There details are below.

Click on the images to get more information on applying for membership

What is a structured intervention program?

What is a structured intervention solution?

• Give sequential and structured instruction that begins with simple concepts and moves to more complex based on logical steps.

• Involve considerable overlearning to achieve automaticity and mastery of skills before moving on.

• Multisensory and interactive to engage various parts of the brain.

Intervention solutions can be

• paper-based

• technology-based

When technology is used, they are:

• Personalised programs that start by assessing the student to create an individual program of study.

• Age appropriate and fun making repetition enjoyable.

• Adaptive giving continuous feedback and positive reinforcement.

• Include games and ‘fun type’ activities, vary the learning experiences making the repletion required to produce automaticity more enjoyable.

To produce a program that effectively does all of the above requires a significant investment. Consequently, intervention programs are not free, but they are often affordably priced.

Click here to find out more about free trials than allow you to try before you buy.

Intervention solutions fill a vital gap

Given that there are far more dyslexic children and adults than there are professionally trained dyslexia tutors, intervention programs are able to fill the gap.

Classroom teachers and parents simply don't have the training required to enable all dyslexics to become proficient readers.

Few families could afford to employ a dyslexia tutor daily, but intervention solutions can be used every day at no additional cost. This daily availability is a huge advantage when it comes to achieving automaticity and mastery.

Why I recommend structured intervention

• Because teaching a child to learn to read isn’t as straight forward as it might appear.

• Reading is the basic building block that most education systems build on and continue to build with.

• Parents are not trained to teach this fundamental skill.

• When a child struggles with reading, it can have a significantly detrimental impact on both their self belief and their attainment which can negatively impact their whole time at school.

When to start using structured intervention

Here is one of the most important pieces of advice I give parents. Do NOT wait for a diagnosis or formal assessment to start using reading intervention solutions. These solutions would benefit any child. Very academic schools use them with every student because they recognise how effective they at teaching children to learn to read.

DO NOT WAIT FOR A DIAGNOSIS TO START USING INTERVENTION SOLUTIONS

Once you recognise your child is experiencing difficulties help them. If a child is falling behind, they need additional support ASAP. The sooner it is provided, the better.

Well intentioned advice to ‘wait and they’ll catch up’, can go disastrously wrong, as gaps in ability and confidence widen daily. The longer the difficulties persist, the harder it is to catch up. The time to start giving additional support is ASAP!!!

I am not saying that there is no need for formal assessments, I am only advising not to wait to get one before helping your child with the additional support of these interventions. For various reason, there can be considerable delay in getting a formal diagnosis.

I have created an eBook to guide parents through some affordable options.

Fantastic Resources to Help Children Learn to Read

Click on the image above to learn how to download this eBook

Click the image to find out more

Dyslexia friendly fonts PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION***

Using dyslexia friendly fonts can significantly improve the reading experience for many readers.

I have been amazed by the number of students who always use a dyslexia friendly font when reading for pleasure because it improves the reading experience but don't use them when reading for school.

Given schools rely heavily on students reading to learn and revise, anything that improves a student’s ability to read is beneficial right across the curriculum.

They are a quick to install, most free resource
that can significantly help dyslexics

Confession

The use of dyslexia friendly fonts for dyslexics is NOT backed up by science. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder, fonts (and different coloured backgrounds) help with visual not language issues.

Nonetheless, time after time, students I work with find these fonts help them significantly. Not being a scientist, and having no financial gain from their use, I feel compelled to share, so more students can use them.

Do they help all dyslexics?

These fonts don’t improve reading for all dyslexics. The only way to know if a font or a different coloured background, will help an individual is, try it!

Try a few different fonts to see which is best, as it is totally down to individual preference.

What do they look like?

Many different fonts exist, the graphics above and below are written in Open Dyslexic.

How do they work?

These fonts tend to have weighted bottoms that improve the visual problems some readers experience. This is an oversimplification.

This video explains quickly how dyslexia friendly fonts work

How much do they cost?

In this article, I have given preference to fonts that are available free of charge or for a donation.

More fonts are available at a price.

How can you download & use fonts?

Most devices are not delivered with dyslexia friendly fonts, they need to be downloaded or installed.

This video explains how important dyslexia friendly fonts are, and how they might be used when using Microsoft Word, Kindle Fire, and Google Chrome.

I’ve created video on how to:

• Download

  • Open Dyslexic

  • Google Chrome extension for Open Dyslexic

  • Dyslexie

• Use

  • Open Dyslexic in Microsoft Word

  • Google Chrome extension when surfing the internet.

  These can all be found on this playlist.

Click on the image above to access the Dyslexia Friendly Font Playlist

FREE Trials of Intervention Solutions

I’ve gathered together some free trials of structured intervention solutions. They are all electronic, as paper based solutions don’t lend them selves well to the concept of ‘try before you buy’.

These trials give you the opportunity to figure out what works for your children before spending any money.

Nessy Reading and Spelling

Almost all the children I’ve worked with love Nessy. I totally agree with their strap line “Learning happens when it’s fun”.  They have a number of different products. Below is a 7 day free trial of one of their Reading and Spelling products.

https://www.nessy.com/uk/register-trial-2/

Free trials for schools can be for much longer, just talk to Nessy.

If you decide to purchase Nessy, Achieve Now has a Discount code, which is 56par.

From experience, I advise parents whose children are doing Nessy, to actively help them to focus on progressing through their targets and NOT on simply earning as many nuggets as possible!

NESSY WILL NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE WITHOUT SUPERVISION,
DYSLEXICS ARE SMART AND THEY EASILY FIGURE OUT HOW TO AVOID WORK.

Nessy Reading and Spelling is brilliant for reinforcing phonics.  It makes the repetition required to embed phonics not only bearable but fun!

If you want to work with your children on areas to improve their reading and spelling that are not simply phonics-based, I’d recommend you check out Dyslexia Gold’s products.

Dyslexia Gold

Dyslexia Golds solutions go way beyond helping children with phonics.

It was created by Liz Selby, a fellow parent of dyslexics.  Liz used first-hand knowledge of the struggles faced by her own children to create innovative solutions that have been proven to really help in areas that dyslexics can find difficult.

Two of the products that have been shown to dramatically improve reading are:

• Engaging Eyes

  (this helps with convergence & tracking)

• Fluency Builder

  (this helps with phonological awareness)

The others help with other areas of difficulty.

• Spelling Tutor

• Times Table Tutor

School holidays are a good time to try out these different solutions.  Trying all of them after a full day at school might be ambitious.

I was delighted when Dyslexia Gold agreed to offer Achieve Now a free trial.

This trial allows you to create an account that can be used 5 times and then you need to subscribe if you want to keep playing.  It’s a GREAT opportunity to try before you buy.

To access the free trial, click this link https://dyslexiagold.co.uk/Trial#

Engaging Eyes

I strongly recommend trying out Engaging Eyes. Many children who struggle with reading have visual issues.

Some of my students really love Engaging Eyes as it has helped them to improve their reading by doing target practice on screen. They often prefer doing this to having to read or learn spellings.

I HAVE WITNESSED FIRST-HAND AMAZING IMPROVEMENT
IN READING AS A RESULT OF USING THIS PRODUCT

I must warn you , however, that some students really don’t get on with it. These were probably the ones who would benefit the most from it but as I want them to enjoy coming to after-school clubs, I don’t make it compulsory.

To play the target practice game, students need to wear 3D glasses. If you decide to purchase Engaging Eyes, Dyslexia Gold will send you a pair. To help you when using the trial I have tracked down the cheapest version of 3D glasses I can find. They are £1.49, sourced from the UK so they will arrive quickly. Click here for more information.

Reading Unlocked

Hot off the press, Dyslexia Gold have released a new product this month called Reading Unlocked. It's a complete learn to read program, for children who can't read at all. It starts with the alphabet and works up.
If it sounds like something your child could benefit from, you can access a free trial by clicking here. 

It would not make sense to do Reading Unlocked and Fluency Tutor, but Reading Unlocked and Engaging Eyes would complement each other well.

 If you know of any other FREE trials that dyslexics could benefit from, please let us know.

Reading Eggs

https://readingeggs.co.uk/parents/signup/

30 Day FREE trial for parents.

This is not a solution I have used. It’s included because I’ve seen positive reviews in Dyslexia forums and felt its addition was required for the sake of completeness when listing the solutions in this area.  I’d be interested to hear what you think of it.

Have you found this information helpful?

If you’ve this useful, I’d strongly recommend taking a look around the Achieve Now YouTube channel to learn about other helpful, often FREE functionality.

Please subscribe to the channel and then hit the bell button to be informed when I create new videos.

Access Arrangements or Exam Accomodations

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What are access arrangments?

As well as reasonable adjustments in the classroom, schools must put in place Exam Access Arrangements, which are reasonable adjustments for candidates who have the required knowledge and skills, but who can’t demonstrate this knowledge or skills in exams due to their disability. These arrangements must not affect the integrity of the examination or give the learner an unfair advantage.

Exam Access Arrangements can include:

• Extra time

• A reader

• A scribe

• The use of an exam reading pen, a word processor or assistive software (screen reader/voice recognition)

• Exam papers printed on coloured paper

• Supervised rest breaks

• A separate room to take the test in

Why is getting the right access arrangements so important?

From personal experience, my son went from getting D’s to getting A's once appropriate access arrangements were in place.

He is now predicted to get 3 A* in his A-level exams and he plans to study Pure Maths at university.

Had these access arrangements not been in place, he would have given up on education a long time ago as his exam grades never reflected his ability or the amount of effort he put into revision.
His future would be looking vastly different (non-academic), as might his contribution to society.

Without appropriate exam accommodations, exam grades don’t accurately reflect a student’s ability.

Given that qualifications can have an enormous impact on future opportunities, it is wise for parents to invest time to become knowledgeable in this area.

Will my child’s school organise the necessary exam accommodations?

Some schools are really on the ball with this. Sadly, many are not. It can require significant resources to build the evidence required to obtain access arrangements.

It is wise for parents to research and have an early dialogue with the school, to ensure that adequate access arrangements are in place early enough for students to become expert at using them before taking formal exams.

Don’t assume your child's school will automatically get appropriate access arrangements in place

As every dyslexic is different, it's hard to give generic advice. The British Dyslexia Association have helpful information on their website.

Having a reader in exams

If you know a student who has significant difficulties reading, I would strongly recommend reading this article.

It contains 7 IMPORTANT FACTS that anyone wanting to help dyslexic students achieve their potential in formal exams MUST be aware of.

It details how having a reader in formal exams can make a dramatic difference in grades achieved by certain students.

FOUND THIS INFORMATION USEFUL?

Please click on the HEART below and share

SUBSCRIBE to our mailing list for more helpful information!

Top 10 Tips to Improve Grades for Dyslexic Students

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Much has been written on how to help dyslexics at school. So much so that it is overwhelming and time-consuming deciding on what solutions to implement for a particular student.

Time is precious for all of us but for dyslexics, time is critical, because the sooner helpful technologies and strategies are put in place, the quicker the achievement gap narrows and the less harm is done to a student’s self-esteem and self-confidence.

To help ease the burden on parents, here are 10 tips to help dyslexics get better grades.

Each tip listed below includes at least one clickable link that gives more information
on how that step can be achieved

Tip 1 - Building confidence in the student

Primarily, students must understand that although they might learn differently, they are bright and capable of success in exams.

The primary role of adults (parents and educational professionals), in my opinion, is to stop the education system crushing dyslexic children’s confidence.

Click on the link above to learn more about building confidence in dyslexics

Tip 2 - Learn to touch type

Being able to touch type, enables students to utilise learning tools that significantly improve their grades. This critical skill is all too often overlooked, resulting in students not getting the grades they are capable of.

Click this image to learn how touch typing improves grades

Tip 3 - Get access arrangements in place

Exam Access Arrangements include, amongst other things, having extra time, a scribe and a reader. Having appropriate access arrangements in place can dramatically improve a student’s grades.

Some schools are really on the ball with this. Sadly, many are not. It can require significant resources to build the evidence required to obtain access arrangements.

Don’t assume your child's school will automatically get appropriate access arrangements in place

Click on the image to learn more about access arrangements

It is wise for parents to do some research and have an early dialogue with the school, to ensure adequate access arrangement are in place early enough for students to become experts at using them.

Tip 4 - Find learning resources that work

Students no longer need to read weighty books or take extensive notes in class to do well academically.

Many online learning resources now exist to help students who learn differently. I’ve created an eBook of the best online resources I’ve found.

Click on the image above for information on how to download the eBook

Tip 5 - Learn how to use online resources

Finding great resources does not guarantee success, students need to learn how to use them to their best advantage.

This video explains the benefits, dangers and best practise when learning online.

Tip 6 - Use electronic textbooks

Rather than relying on class notes, dyslexics benefit from using textbooks.

Often these books are bought by supportive parents but not actually read because the amount of reading involved can be overwhelming for a dyslexic student.

This video explains the benefits of using electronic textbooks.

Advantages of electronic textbooks include:

• locating specific information easily

• having text read aloud

• changing background colour

• using dyslexia-friendly fonts

• the ability to cut and paste information into revision apps
  
  
  

RNIB Bookshare

RNIB Bookshare is a UK charity that supplies electronic textbooks for students with print disabilities. This includes dyslexia.

During school closures families can apply for an account

Tip 7 - Take advantage of learning tools

Technology, regardless of the device used, offers excellent learning tools that help dyslexics. Freely available tools are sadly underused.

These tools include:

• having text highlighted and read aloud

• screen masks and reading rulers

• using dyslexia friendly fonts

• being able to highlight text to organise text

Tip 8 - Invest in activities that energise

Dyslexic students can spend a disproportionate amount of time working on academic tasks that they find difficult. This can be exhausting for them.

It’s important that they regularly switch off and do something completely different that energises them and that they enjoy.

Try and encourage your child to find and pursue an activity or sport that interests them and that they feel passionate about.

During school closures, Facebook is packed with great activities and ideas to keep children active, the majority are free! If you don’t have a Facebook account, it is worth creating one just to access free resources.

I have created this video to show you how to quickly create a Facebook account without having to use it to follow friends.

Tip 9 - Learn effective revision techniques

If dyslexics study the same way as their neurotypical peers, then chances are their grades will NOT reflect their ability.

I have learned that doing well in exams is a skill that can be taught.

Schools concentrate on teaching subjects rather than teaching children how to learn and revise.

Not many teachers have been trained to take advantage of dyslexic strengths when revising. 

Click on the image to download this resource

Tip 10 - Use online revision tools

Many great solutions exist to help students commit information to memory.

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