Family Life Education Series |
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Ms Lam Wai-fan of Caritas Johnson and Johnson (Hong Kong) Specific Learning Disability Supportive Service Programme has advised parents to be cautious in selecting agencies to conduct assessments of their children. The Education Bureau (EB) has commenced a series of measures for children with "Specific Learning Disabilities" and strived to enhance the teaching effectiveness of teachers. It is important to address the needs of children. Parents requiring any assistance may contact Mr Tsui of the New Territories Welfare Office on 2417-6471.
Private agencies If parents consider that it takes too long to wait for an assessment by experts of the EB or school sponsoring bodies, they may seek assessment service on "Specific Learning Disabilities" (SLD) from private agencies or institutes. However, since the service quality provided by private agencies varies greatly, with some charging very high prices, parents should find out the background, qualification and services of the agencies when selecting one to conduct assessment of their children. Otherwise, they may waste money on something that fails to address their children's needs.It is more reliable to obtain the services of long-established non-governmental organisations with a good reputation. However, tests conducted solely by occupational therapists are not comprehensive as only areas involving developmental coordination and spatial perception will be covered. At present, the better assessment tool is the Hong Kong Test of Specific Learning Difficulties on Reading and Writing. Nevertheless, taking this test only without an intellectual assessment beforehand is not a correct approach. The assessment will be more accurate if psychologists can thoroughly examine children's performance in assignments and test papers, or even observe children's behaviour in classroom.
Supports through educational system Through measures such as Intensive Remedial Teaching Programme in Primary Schools, Integrated Education Programme and New Funding Mode, the EB has put in place extra resources for schools to support the learning of students with special educational needs, including joint meetings on special learning and examination arrangements for students (Individual Educational Plan). In addition, with a view to enhancing the knowledge and teaching skills of teachers in handling children with special educational needs so as to ensure students are taken care of effectively, the EB has arranged various types of training for teachers. The EB has also pledged that in a five-year period, at least 10 per cent of the teachers in each school will complete a basic training course; at least three teachers per school will complete an advanced course; and at least one Chinese teacher and one English teacher per school will complete a thematic course in SLD.The EB will also remind primary schools to transfer information, such as assessment reports and learning records, of their primary six students confirmed to have dyslexia or special educational needs to the secondary schools to which they are enrolled, so that the secondary schools may have a better idea of their students' special needs at an earlier stage and make appropriate teaching arrangements accordingly. For internal and public examinations, parents and students may apply to the schools concerned and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) for special examination arrangements, such as allowing extra examination time or short breaks during an examination. Parents should approach individual schools in seeking special arrangements for internal examinations, or visit the website of the HKEAA (http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk) for details of such arrangements in public examinations. Is SLD a synonym for laziness and stupidity? Absolutely not! It represents unconditional acceptance, solicitude and understanding. Children are always the apples in their parents' eyes and SLD cannot hinder or weaken the love of parents towards their kids. Besides, everyone is gifted with different talents. Children with SLD can also lead a positive and meaningful life as long as they are not rejected by the community and are nurtured with proper care.
PS & SR Branch Welfare Services Group
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