What is an educational assessment:
Assessments are carried out by an
educational psychologist and includes testing of cognitive abilities as well as literacy
skills (and sometimes numeracy skills if mAths’ difficulties are reported). The
educational psychologist also needs to get relevant background information from
parents and teachers.
Conclusions are made based on a combination of the
history reported and the performance on the tests
Assessments carried outline how each individual pupil learns in their own unique
way. At secondary level, it is essential that pupils learn study techniques to ‘learn
how to learn’.
How can it help:
For pupils with learning difficulties in secondary school, it is
essential that they receive both the resources available to them through the school
and any of the North Tipperary LEADER Partnership delivering this very innovative
scheme since 2011. To date 42 students accessed through NTLP scheme have
received additional resource teaching hours, 3 students have received SNA's, 36
Students received exemption for Irish and over 50 students received Reasonable
Accommodations for Certified Examinations (RACE) plus a number of students
following assessment were eligible
Please note the changes to the scheme for 2015 Breada Ryan Community
Development Officer LCDP Team they are entitled to, so that their difficulty does
not disadvantage them. For access to third level education, there is the Disability
Access Route to Education DARE) available for pupils with learning difficulties such as
dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Why does NTLP support a grant scheme for assessments:
North
Tipperary LEADER Partnership (NTLP) under its Local Community Development Programme
identified in 2011, a gap in service provision pertaining to the long delays children
experience in awaiting educational assessments. This difficulty appears to more acute
among families who cannot afford to fast-track assessments by paying for them privately.
This scheme has been operating on yearly basis since 2011, through allocation of
assessments pro rata to all post primary schools in North Tipperary and students put
forward for assessments have until now been identified by the school.
Changes to the NTLP Educational Scheme for 2015:
The Social
Inclusion Sub Group of North Tipperary LEADER Partnership, have taken the decision to alter
the application process slightly for 2015 on a trial only basis to June 2015.
Application Criteria:
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Parents will apply directly to NTLP for inclusion in the scheme.
Available only to Post Primary Students.
Students must be resident in North Tipperary – proof maybe
sought.
All screening applications to be completed by parents.
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Household Income Threshold not to exceed €42,000.00 in the
previous tax year (2013)
Parents must produce proof of family income with completed
application form - (If not included application will be deemed
ineligible)
Parents must get school principal to complete SECTION D
before sending application to NTLP for consideration.
APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1
Apply by calling 0504-90759 or email
[email protected] and asking for information pack.
STEP 2
Complete Screening Application Form. Make sure that:
 All sections are answered.
 That Section D is completed by School Principal/Vice
Principal.
 That proof of household income is attached.
 That form is signed and dated by you the parent/s.
STEP 3
Complete the Parent/Guardian Referral & Consent Form. Make
Sure that:
 That all questions are answered.
 That the form is signed and dated by parent/s.
STEP 4
Return both forms in the attached addressed envelope to NTLP,
Kickham Street, Thurles before Friday 20th February 2015.
(Applications will not be accepted after this date).
STEP 5
NTLP will award applications for inclusion in the scheme based on:
 Family income
 Urgency i.e. for Reasonable accommodation at Exams, DARE,
multiple difficulties, etc.,
STEP 6
Successful applicants will be notified and given TEACHER’S REPORT
FORM to be completed by school. Completed forms to be returned
directly to Educational Psychologist – address will be supplied.
STEP 7
STEP 8
STEP 9
Following receipt of TEACHER’s REPORT by Psychologist – an
appointment will be offered.
On receipt of Completion of Assessment Form, NTLP will pay
Psychologist direct.
Psychologist will post report to parents and any other third parties
designated by parents on Parent/Guardian Referral & Consent Form.
INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR PARENTS TO AVAIL OF ASSISTANCE COMPLETING
FORMS WILL TAKE PLACE AS FOLLOWS:
MONDAY MARCH 3RD - NTLP, KICKHAM STREET, THURLES
TUESDAY MARCH 4TH
NTLP, FRIARSCOURT, NENAGH
WEDNESDAY MARCH 5TH NTLP, NEW LINE, ROSCREA
10.00A.M TO 1.00P.M.
10.00A.M. TO 1.00P.M.
10.00A.M TO 1.00P.M.