Special needs language and literacy assessment handbook - Gill Backhouse

Language and literacy difficulties are common, have multiple aspects and various causes. Some pupils causing concern may be dyslexic - others are not. This highly practical handbook will enable non-specialist teachers in primary and secondary schools to:
- use a range of reliable techniques and resources to assess pupils' difficulties and needs
- inform effective remediation and support strategies
- monitor progress
- make appropriate IEP recommendations and referrals where necessary.

Starting from the basics of standardised assessment and what test scores mean, the authors look systematically at speech and language, phonological awareness and phonics, reading and writing, and the
range of difficulties that children may experience, at all ages. A further chapter outlines the special arrangements which are available for national tests and public exams. Giving just the essential theory, the emphasis throughout is on what to do, how to do it, and then what to do next.

Clear and accessible, with a focus on the essentials, this book will help new SENCOs, inclusion managers and support staff to make effective use of the assessment resources available to non-specialist teachers. The concise 'summary' style, photocopiable checklists and resource listings will also make it a useful quick reference for more experienced Learning Support staff.

'... an exceedingly useful resource for both primary and secondary .... It provides key guidelines for observing and assessing learners, and useful strategies for teaching... clearly expressed.' Lynn Greenwold, Patoss