Drumcondra tests general info?

frenchmartini

School is swapping to Drumcondra tests later this month. Does anyone know what format they take? Are they multiple choice, done on paper or computer?
Just for my own info... and to reassure my 5th class child who has dyslexia.

byhookorbycrook

They are paper based. The subtests are vocabulary and comprehension , both multiple choice. For younger classes there is a word analysis test.
In very general terms , children with dyslexia tend to score better in the comprehension subtests as they can use contextual clues.
Tell her to try her best and not spend too long on any one question .

wirelessdude01

byhookorbycrook wrote:

They are paper based. The subtests are vocabulary and comprehension , both multiple choice. For younger classes there is a word analysis test. In very general terms , children with dyslexia tend to score better in the comprehension subtests as they can use contextual clues. Tell her to try her best and not spend too long on any one question .

Why the assumption that it is a 'she'?

In relation to the question from the OP, all children can ever do is their best. I always tell my class to treat standardised tests like the tests they do every Friday. You have the work done, relax and do your best. If you don't know the answer of how to approach the question move on and if time go back later.

byhookorbycrook

I used "she"instead of he or it . Satisfied ?? And telling a child with dyslexia that they are "like the tests they do every Friday. " isn't going to help.

wirelessdude01

byhookorbycrook wrote:

I used "she"instead of he or it . Satisfied ?? And telling a child with dyslexia that they are "like the tests they do every Friday. " isn't going to help.

Well telling them to treat them like a normal test that they are well used to doing is saying that there is no greater importance attached to it and thus not creating added stress. I think it does help but each to their own.

Moonbeam

My daughter gets quite excited about them,she loves doing them. She is odd;)
It is a test all children in x class do and it is to make sure that the books and class works stay up to date for children,and you can not fail it.
http://www.erc.ie/test-sales/ might be helpful ,as you can learn more about them yourself.

byhookorbycrook

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Well telling them to treat them like a normal test that they are well used to doing is saying that there is no greater importance attached to it and thus not creating added stress. I think it does help but each to their own.

By "used to doing" do I take it you mean the outmoded tables and spelling tests that cause huge anxiety to a child with dyslexia?

frenchmartini

Thanks for the replies and info. We've had a little bit of anxiety about them, he just wants to do well enough so he can leave resource (unhappy experience with an unsuitable teacher).

Bells21

frenchmartini wrote:

Thanks for the replies and info. We've had a little bit of anxiety about them, he just wants to do well enough so he can leave resource (unhappy experience with an unsuitable teacher).

You mention that your son has dyslexia, this is most likely why he's receiving resource time, so the results of these tests will unlikely affect him attending resource.
I would also be reluctant to tie anything to these tests i.e. if you do well you won't have to attend resource as this will put undue pressure on him.

wirelessdude01

Take what you want from it. Friday tests aren't always just about tables and spellings. Ever think that maybe people have moved on from that?

byhookorbycrook

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Take what you want from it. Friday tests aren't always just about tables and spellings. Ever think that maybe people have moved on from that?

I work with children with SEN, the whole idea of a "Friday test" each week was incredibly off putting for them, many used to develop all kinds of ailments on a Friday morning and miss Fridays more than any other day. There are lots of ways to test a child's mastery of a curricular area, the traditional tests are not always the best tool.

Bells21, a child with dyslexia dos not receive resource hours, they get learning support, based on their attainments in literacy standardised tests, our policy is those scoring Sten 3 or lower , so the results would impact on the child attending learning support or not.

OP, am sending you a pm.

Bells21

byhookorbycrook wrote:

Bells21, a child with dyslexia dos not receive resource hours, they get learning support, based on their attainments in literacy standardised tests, our policy is those scoring Sten 3 or lower , so the results would impact on the child attending learning support or not.

Apologies for the misinformation. I would still discourage the child from placing such pressure on themselves. If there is an issue with a teacher or learning environment I would speak to the school about this.