Research abstract

Dyslexia Action calls for rethink on interim Key Stage 2 assessment methods for pupils with dyslexia

Does the government need to rethink its current model for assessing students? Dyslexia Action thinks so. Learn about how the current model can be failing students with dyslexia or other learning differences. By Robert della Spina, Head Teacher at Holy Cross Primary School, Nottingham

framelesscollage
The Key Stage 2 assessment, being devised by the government right now for introduction into schools is being found to not give children with learning differences a chance. In this case, we are talking about Dyslexia and how children that struggle with this difficulty may have a harder time getting through their program with these new requirements and a new interim exam. Combined, spelling, vocabulary, and writing are going to be tested.

Dyslexia Action believes the Government needs to better consider the difficulties of students with dyslexia when devising the Key Stage 2 (KS2) assessment process

Parents and staff at the school, alike, are very concerned about these new requirements and have spoken out about the new exam. They feel that students should not be penalized for having a lower score on one category, but a higher score on another. This does not, in any way, make them less smart than their peers, yet they will still be subjected to consequences due to their learning difference.

Key takeaways

  1. Dyslexia Action wants the Government to reconsider students with dyslexia in implementation of new policy.
  2. Many students with dyslexia struggle to spell words but are gifted in other capacities.
  3. Dyslexia Action is concerned that new standardized testing policies will make gifted dyslexic students think something is wrong with them.

Is your child struggling in school?

Get your free personalized learning roadmap

You describe what you see at home. We turn it into a plan you start this week.

  • Answer 5 short questionnaires about what you already notice, 30–45 minutes at your own kitchen table
  • Your child sits no test and gets no score: nothing to schedule, nothing for them to dread
  • You do the answering, the AI does the writing, and a person reviews it before it reaches you
  • Access all 40+ courses instantly: reading, math, focus, processing and more, with new ones added regularly

Why we use AI, plainly: it writes from a knowledge base our team maintains and audits. We work through it line by line and pull anything the evidence stops supporting. The roadmap you get on Tuesday reflects what we corrected on Monday, and a human still reads it before you do.

Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.

Get my free assessment & 7-day trial Cancel anytime during your trial.

Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.

A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.

Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.