SpLD Assessment Standards Committee

The course will look at assessment and report writing for the diagnosis of dyscalculia using APC criteria. It will address how to interpret and report the test results in relation to dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties. The course will benefit those applying for AMBDA dyscalculia through the APEL route.

SASC guidance clearly states that if the assessors' level 7 qualification is only in dyslexia, then they should do a top up course equivalent to 60 credits unless they have extensive knowledge and experience in understanding the cognitive processing that underpins dyscalculia.

In line with these recommendations, the BDA is offering assessors the opportunity to have their knowledge and experience validated through APEL leading to an AMBDA Dyscalculia.  This would be equivalent to the standard that an assessor would achieve by doing a level 7 accredited course for dyscalculia leading to AMBDA Dyscalculia.  

This course will guide you through what is expected to be seen when writing a diagnostic assessment report for dyscalculia, based on current SASC guidance.

The course is based on the criteria used by APC-reviewers of reports submitted to support an application for APC, and if you are submitting a report for AMBDA Dyscalculia via the BDA APEL route.

All 15 core APC criteria will be covered in this course, and there will be an emphasis how to approach the core criteria when writing a dyscalculia-specific assessment.  We will cover how cognitive processing (domain-general areas) and domain-specific areas (number sense) feature in a dyscalculia report and what the core components of a dyscalculia assessment are.  Following this we will discuss mapping the findings to the definition of dyscalculia (from BDA/ P. Jarrett/ SASC 2019) and how to write about the impact of dyscalculia on the individual. Finally, we will cover some useful recommendations that can be provided within your reports. 

This course will fully support you in creating valuable and practical reports of dyscalculia assessments that you carry out and extend your understanding of what is expected in an AMBDAD submission.

Reviewing principles of psychometrics, statistics, assessment and underlying theory

SpLD testing methods, interpretation, report writing, feedback and test materials

Assessors

Assessors should have a Level 7 in dyslexia or equivalent and are competent to carry out assessments for dyslexia.

Applicants must have extensive experience of teaching maths both mainstream and specialist teaching and a basic understanding of the development of maths skills in learners.

To understand the SASC guidelines for the assessment of dyscalculia.

To understand how to interpret results that impact on maths learning and report them to a standard of assessment for dyscalculia required for APC and AMBDA dyscalculia.

To understand how to apply for AMMDA dyscalculia through the APEL route.