Dyslexia at second level:  Factsheets for teachers

These factsheets have been published to give teachers in second level schools in Ireland clear and concise information on dyslexia, how it affects students and how schools and teachers can help. With dyslexia affecting approximately one in ten people, there are many thousands of students with dyslexia in Irish second level schools. For some, the difficulties may be so severe they are receiving extra support through learning support or resource teaching. The majority depend on help from mainstream teachers.

The factsheets are a starting point. Factsheet 18 on resources gives information about books, teaching resources and websites which deal with the topic in detail. In particular several books are highlighted that could be considered essential for staff in all second level schools.

How to use the pack

Some factsheets are relevant for all staff. These include:

• What is dyslexia?
• Understanding the psycho-educational assessment.
• General classroom strategies.
• Developing reading and comprehension skills across the curriculum.
• Developing vocabulary and writing skills across the curriculum.
• Making information more accessible.
• Resources.

The Department of Education and Skills emphasised the importance of literacy and numeracy in the documents Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life and The Framework for the Junior Certificate 2012. These documents state that literacy and numeracy proficiency is fundamental to a student’s development. Teachers of all subjects have an important role to play in developing these skills.

Many of the teaching approaches and strategies that support the student with dyslexia are also of benefit to the general student body.  N. MacKay in the book Dyslexia, Successful Inclusion in the Secondary Schools says 'Dyslexia friendly policies also enable schools become more effective and improve the performance of all pupils.  This is the power of the dyslexia friendly approach that changes made on behalf of dyslexic pupils can benefit all'.

Other factsheets are more specific such as those on educational choices, maths and languages. It is hoped that school management would give copies of the relevant factsheets to all teachers depending on the subjects they teach.

There is a factsheet with tips for parents on how they can support the student as well as one for students themselves on study techniques and online resources.

The Factsheets are available for download on the websites www.dyslexiacourses.ie and www.dyslexia.ie  and are updated on an annual basis.

The factsheets have been written by Mary Ball, an educational psychologist who has worked with Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) for many years and Wyn McCormack, a guidance counsellor and special educational needs teacher. 

Wyn, together with Deirdre McElroy, a former educational psychologist who worked with NEPS, offer courses within the school setting on dyslexia for school staffs, information nights for parents on how they can support the student and study workshops for senior cycle students. Full details are available at www.dyslexiacourses.ie. 

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland provides courses for teachers, parents and students at venues throughout Ireland as well as seminars on assistive technology.  Details of their courses are available on the website www.dyslexia.ie.  

Downloads

Factsheets on Dyslexia for Second Level Schools (All Factsheets updated on 26th September 2021)

1. What is Dyslexia?

2. Screening and Identification

3. Understanding the psycho-educational assessment report

4. The assessment report and its implications for learning

5. Supports for students with dyslexia in Irish Education

6. School policies to support the student with dyslexia

7. General classroom strategies for mainstream teachers

8. Developing reading and comprehension skills across the curriculum

9. Developing vocabulary and writing skills across the curriculum

10. Mathematics: dyslexia and dyscalculia

11. Teaching mathematics to students with dyslexia and/or dyscalculia

12. Teaching languages to students with dyslexia

13. Educational choices for students with dyslexia

14. Making information accessible, the dyslexia-friendly style guide

15. Computers and assistive technology

16. How parents can support the student with dyslexia

17. Study tips for the student with dyslexia

18. Useful resources

Download Factsheets 1 to 18 as one PDF 

Other Downloads

Useful Websites , APPS and resources for Teachers (New 2021) 

Strategies/Resources for Mainstream teachers with some SEN classes

LC English Paper 1 tips 

Asking for Help form

List of indicators from Task Force Report on Dyslexia 

Ten study tips for the Junior Certificate Student with dyslexia

Useful websites on study skills, revision notes and examination preparation (New 2021) 

How Parents can help the primary school child with dyslexia