Issue 1Dyslexia & Standardised Testing

In the very first The Dyslexia Playbook newsletter, we are diving straight into the often-confusing topic of standardised testing in Irish primary schools.

So, why start here?

While the standardised test results do not affect a child’s progress to the next class, and they are rarely even referred to as the child moves up, the data is extremely valuable.

DCE Dyslexia founder Catherine will explore this topic in more detail in our free webinar on the evening of April 27th. In this newsletter, we will give you an idea of what these tests are and why the data is so beneficial for students, parents and teachers.

There is no need to let standardised tests feel intimidating. It is natural to feel apprehensive, especially as tests can cause stress and anxiety in children who are dyslexic. But understanding how they work can make a real difference.

At DCE Dyslexia, we believe knowledge is power. Fear often fades when you are armed with the facts.

Remember, we are a community and we are all in this together.

What are standardised tests in Irish primary schools?

The Department of Education oversees standardised tests, which take place every May in every school in Ireland when students are in 2nd, 4th and 6th class.

The tests assess:

1. English reading

2. Irish reading (in Irish-speaking schools only)

3. Mathematics

All students complete the same type of assessment.

What is the point of standardised tests?

Standardised tests measure how students perform in those core subjects, individually, at class level, and nationally.

The data helps teachers better understand learning needs and tailor their teaching accordingly.

What does it mean for the individual student?

It is important to stress that the tests are not competitive and are not meant to cause the student stress. In fact, they have been specifically designed to be low-pressure.

While the tests are not a record of a child’s intelligence. Instead, they show how a child’s skills in reading and maths are developing over time.

The results can help teachers:

1. identify strengths

2. recognise areas where support may be needed

3. provide early intervention where appropriate

Students can really benefit from the data by getting early support if they need it.

How do standardised tests help students and teachers?

Teachers can use this data to adapt lessons to better suit their class. It can also help with:

1. grouping students effectively

2. identifying where additional support is needed

At a whole-school level, the data can inform improvements in literacy and numeracy programmes.

How the tests can help parents

In a nutshell, the tests give parents invaluable information on how your student learns.

It is vital that you see the paper for yourself after your child gets their results. You will not be allowed to take the paper away or to take photos, but you can take notes, giving you an unmissable opportunity to get a full insight into your child's learning.

Understanding the results

STen scores are used to show how a child performed. They convert a raw score into a scale from 1 to 10, based on how children of the same age performed nationally.

They follow a statistical pattern known as the “bell curve”.

1. The average range is 4 – 7; about 70% of children fall within this range.

2. A high STen score of 8 - 10 may indicate that the child is ready for more challenging material. It may also suggest that the child has strong test-taking skills.

3. STen test scores at the lower end of the scale (1 – 3) may signal that the child could benefit from extra support or attention.

No matter what result your child gets, it is always worth speaking with your child’s teacher, who can provide important context beyond the numbers.

It is important to remember that the test results are only an indication of ability. Many factors contribute to how a child performs on the day of the test, from nerves to excitement.

How Dyslexia affects STen scores

STen scores do not diagnose dyslexia.

However, because dyslexia affects reading accuracy, fluency and decoding, and standardised tests measure these skills in a timed, structured way, students with dyslexia may record lower scores.

This is why the standardised tests are very useful tools for parents and teachers of children with suspected dyslexia, for identifying patterns that may indicate a need for further support or assessment.

Remember, STen scores do not show intelligence, and they do not reflect creativity, vocabulary, ideas, or oral skills.

Instead, they can help guide early intervention and inform how best to support a child’s learning.

Students with dyslexia have never had a better opportunity to thrive, thanks to increased awareness, better supports, and more informed teaching practices.

At DCE Dyslexia, we are proud to be part of that progress as we continue our mission to raise standards in dyslexia education.

For more on standardised testing in Irish schools, join our free live webinar on April 27th, 7pm (GMT+1).

Zoom Link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84383740516?pwd=ELFBU0oZc6Joi1LcaOqRzqm9FBQv2m.1

FAQs

1. What should I do when I receive a student’s STen result (whether high or low)?
STen results provide valuable insight into how a student is learning. Regardless of whether the score is high or low, it’s important for both parents and teachers to review the test paper carefully.

Parents should take the opportunity to view the paper in school. While copies or photos are not permitted, you can take notes. This helps build a clearer picture of the student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Teachers and parents can then use this information together to better support the student’s learning.

2. Why is standardised testing important for a child with dyslexia?
Standardised tests are not a measure of intelligence and do not diagnose dyslexia. Instead, they track how a student’s reading and maths skills develop over time.

Because dyslexia can affect reading accuracy, fluency and decoding, students with dyslexia may achieve lower scores in timed, structured tests. However, these results are still very useful.

They can help teachers and parents to:

1. identify strengths

2. recognise areas where support may be needed

3. plan early and appropriate interventions

The key message for both home and school is to keep the experience low-pressure. Encourage the student to do their best and not to worry about unfamiliar questions.

3. What does a STen score mean?
A STen score converts a student’s raw test score into a scale from 1 to 10, based on national performance for their age group.

1. Scores of 4–7 are considered average, with about 70% of students falling within this range

2. Scores of 1–3 may indicate areas of difficulty

Regardless of the score, it is important for both teachers and parents to review the test paper and discuss the results together. This ensures appropriate supports and interventions can be put in place where needed.