Students with Reading Difficulties
Diagnostic Testing
Students are not given a general screening test for reading difficulties. If a teacher notices that a student has problems developing reading skills, the teacher or a school psychologist recommends that the child undergo an evaluation at a center of pedagogical-psychological counseling and prevention. Psychologists at these diagnostic centers assess student’s intellectual abilities, and special pedagogues determine the severity of the reading difficulties or learning disorder. If dyslexia or another learning disorder is detected, a special pedagogue recommends a course of action.
Instruction for Children with Reading Difficulties
Based on the recommendations of a special pedagogue, if the school has one, teachers prepare individual study plans for students with reading difficulties, which then must be approved by the student’s parents. For a student with reading disabilities, these plans usually ensure that they are not required to read aloud in class, that they are able to work with adapted instructional materials, and that their disability is taken into account during assessments. Students with learning difficulties can receive additional lessons in the subject they are struggling in or be taught by a school psychologist, special pedagogue, or educational counselor. Students also may regularly visit the center of pedagogical-psychological counseling and prevention, and receive instruction from a specialist there. Every few years, students with reading difficulties are reassessed to determine if it still is necessary to continue with the individual study plan.
Students with more severe difficulties such as visual impairments may be integrated into a regular class with an individual study plan in place, or may attend a special class within the school with students who have similar issues. Alternatively, these students may attend a special school devoted to students with physical or mental disabilities.