<

School Assessments

ATLAS Training specialises in assessments(1) for academic placements, reasonable accommodation for certified (state) examinations (RACE)(2) and the disability access route to education (DARE)(3). Having done paediatric assessments for schools since 2003, ATLAS Training is experienced at working with the department of education and skills (DES) and is knowledgeable in what accommodations are available or possible and what the requirements for accommodations are.

Our assessments are based on information from a wide variety of resources where possible, including direct, standardised assessment of the student, detailed feedback from parents/caregivers and information from teachers. Each assessment is tailored to the needs of the student and we use research-driven, updated and standardised assessments to draw our findings and recommendations. Students do not need to have a diagnosis or other reports to access our assessments, although these are helpful where available.

Our reports will outline, where appropriate, any or all of the following :
Whether additional reasonable accommodations for state examinations are needed, such as the use of computers, separate exam centres/rooms
Whether the student requires additional support to transition into secondary or tertiary level education
Whether learning support or resource teaching is required for a student.
Whether a student requires additional aids/appliances/information technology (such as computers/tablets) to effectively access their education and demonstrate their knowledge.
Whether physical adaptations are necessary to the environment due to motor or sensory needs.
Any supports or adaptations that can be made to a student’s learning to enhance their ability to learn and develop.
Any modifications to teaching styles or handling principles that can promote positive behaviour in a classroom.
Note:
(1) Reasonable Accommodations and additional resources are provided at the discretion of schools and the department of education and skills. ATLAS Training takes no responsibility for resource approval. (cf. http://www.sess.ie/faq/what-reasonable-accommodation-relation-examinations-run-state-examinations-commission).
(2) Accommodations or Reasonable Accommodations in certified examinations (RACE) refers to modifications in how a test is administered while not compromising the integrity of the examination system. Accommodations may include changes to presentation format, response format, test setting or test timing. In general terms, the provision aims to remove the impact of a disability so that candidates can demonstrate their full level of attainment, while not given any advantage.
(3)

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. DARE has been set up by a number of colleges and universities as evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on how well a student does at school and whether they go on to college. (cf. http://accesscollege.ie/dare).