Use of Dyslexia Screener

Dyslexia Screener has been standardised with ages 5 to 16 and, as such, will provide most accurate evidence within that age range. However, its focus is primarily on the profile of scores and so it may also prove useful as an initial exploratory assessment of low-attaining pupils at older ages.

The assessment can be used at any point during the school year. It may be preferable initially to select vulnerable groups (individuals already designated as having ‘special needs’), self-referrals (individuals who are concerned about their own memory or spelling performance) or those pupils you or your colleagues may have concerns about in terms of their progress in literacy.

It is also appropriate for screening an entire class or year group for early identification of any problems which may later arise. Use of the Screener may be adapted to suit the requirements of any school, college or organisation.

It must be emphasised that the Dyslexia Screener  screens for dyslexic tendencies that may need further investigation. It does not claim to determine whether a pupil is dyslexic or not. Therefore the report from the Dyslexia Screener is not sufficient evidence for access arrangements.

The overall assessment is untimed but should take around 30 to 50 minutes to complete. The sub-tests within the Screener  are adaptable. If a pupil finds a section difficult, the programme will automatically move them on to the next section. Less able pupils will therefore have fewer questions to answer than more able pupils.