§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) primary and (b) post-primary schools in Scotland have a specialist teacher for children suffering from dyslexia.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLearning support teachers, who assist children with specific learning difficulties such as are caused by dyslexia, are employed in schools in Scotland at which such children are pupils. At September 1990, the numbers of teachers with a qualification in learning difficulties employed in primary and secondary schools were 880 and 470 respectively.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what training teachers receive in(a) recognising symptoms of dyslexia in pupils and (b) how to assist pupils who show symptoms of dyslexia.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAll pre-service teacher training courses now contain elements covering special educational needs in which references to dyslexia and its identification are included. The guidelines which determine the content of diploma courses in special educational needs now strongly encourage the inclusion of elements on specific learning difficulty. Specialist courses for teachers on dyslexia are also being developed at Jordanhill college and Moray house. The Scottish Office Education Department has commissioned a research study of policy, practices and provision for children with learning difficulties including dyslexia. This will make recommendations about the content of further training courses in relation to dyslexia and offer specific guidance to teachers of dyslexic children.