Review of the RACE Scheme by Primary Management Bodies

RACE Scheme Review - Consultation Event 

Additional Data in relation to Presentations

Stammer Ireland

Fluency of speech for students with stammers, it is not considered in the marking schemes.

The focus cannot be solely on the Junior Cycle / Leaving Certificate state exams, what about CBAs or LCA orals/interviews?

Are examiners briefed on SEN / AEN? If they are, how do we know?

Remove the term ‘Impediment’ and use ‘Speech Language Therapy Needs’. 

National Parents Council

In a recent survey of 450 parents, 40% were not aware of the RACE scheme.

All accommodations should be provided throughout the students’ time in Post Primary school, not just for the state exams.

FÉACH

Modified exam papers are inconsistent across subjects.

Clear guidelines are required as it is exhausting for the students.

Educate Together

Various points of interest to note / consider.

It is imperative that there is teacher inclusion, they will advocate for students. There needs to be Trust in schools. Can anything be devolved to schools?

Can there be a support person in certain exams / orals

Could students with needs have a preprepared info note for the examiner explaining what works well / not, what could prevent them from participating to the best of their ability.

Correct environments to sit exams, The place and space.

Earlier decisions and interventions for students need to be allocated earlier in the academic year.

Why are we using the word ‘Special’ is it appropriate? Would ‘’Exam Dispensations’ be more appropriate? Or something similar?

Should there be extra time for all students who qualify for RACE?

The relationship between parents and teachers / schools / SENCOs can be difficult

Assessments taking place privately vs assessment done through school?

More training for teachers / examiners.

Student Voice, Nothing about us without us.

RACE Terminology– Reasonable Accommodations vs Accessibility

Continuity of provision, flow directly from Junior Cycle to Leaving Certificate

Clarity on refusals especially for parents.

UDL needs priority.

Equity between school types

Administration would for one application can take up to 8 hours, schools on average have 45 applications.

Refine written evidence – Junior Cycle requirement of 500 words is unrealistic.

Can some of this work be conducted online via a dedicated platform / portal?

SENCO voice must be heard in this review.

EAL students need attention – digital translation

NCCA – Accessibility by design