Reading age query for appeal

Kendogirl · Post by **Kendogirl** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:46 pm

Hi have just seen my DS's teacher re the letter from her on the appeal. His predicted SATs are all 5s but his reading age has come out at 11yrs 9 mths (actual age is 11 yrs 3 mths).

Am rather concerned as the guidance is that the panel is looking for a reading age of =2 yrs. She said it was a difficult text with medical words in it and that the other boy who is going for a place on appeal scored exactly the same as they both stumbled over the few tricky words. She said in her experience it is the predicted SATs they are concerned with and school reports. (His are v good). Any comments or advice on this? Many thanks, Kendogirl

All Too Much · Post by **All Too Much** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:55 pm

Any chance of getting another reading test done before appeal? If text is different, the age could be higher.

Kendogirl · Post by **Kendogirl** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:28 pm

I did ask his teacher about that but she said it was close to the appeal submission date and that it wouldn't matter too much as this other boy had the same score. I wasn't convinced but there is nothing I can do to force her to re-do the test. Kendogirl

Guest55 · Post by **Guest55** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:37 pm

Don't include it in the evidence - you can submit what you like!

fm · Post by fm » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:01 pm

I don't think I'd include it either. When I assess children before taking them on as pupils for GS preparation, I am usually looking for a reading age at least 2 years above chronological age. I find it more significant than Sats levels which I rarely ask.

yoyo123 · Post by **yoyo123** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:07 pm

I wouldn;t include it either
i must admit my experience is more with statement referrals, but the cardinal rule in both is only include that which supports your case.

Reading tests greatly. It may be that a different type of test would give a different result.

Post by **Etienne** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:24 pm

I assume the problem is that the school will put everything in one letter?

I agree that a single reading test result is not always reliable.

Kendogirl · Post by **Kendogirl** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:05 am

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately on checking the appeal's form it does specifically request the reading age. In addition the school has given me the predicted SATs and the reading age in one letter so I am really stuck here. I was so surprised when I saw the result because he had always had an age at least 1 1/2 yrs higher than actual, so ironically it was the SATs I was concerned about! He reads very widely and has v good vocabulary so v odd. However, as I originally said it contained medical words he has heard but not read so, for example, struggled to read 'pneumonia'.

T-4-2 · Post by **T-4-2** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:34 am

Can't you just attach a note stating that in the past his reading age has always been 1.5 years ahead of his actual age, and include some example words that he struggled with. The school should have records of his past reading age tests, maybe ask for copies of those results.

Kendogirl · Post by **Kendogirl** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:45 am

Hi T 4 2 that's a good idea. I was going to send a letter to his teacher asking if it was possible to do another test and I could add on if she couldn't do that could she give me his reading ages from last year's test. Also a friend who is a teacher has also advised me that these tests can give varying results. It is just such a pity that the one time we needed a good reading age, he is unlucky not to score it! Many thanks again, Kendogirl.