The column is harping on this subject because we want to show support for all the students going through this annual period of trial and tribulation. Today's subject is a little-known one: exam concessions. What are exam concessions? These are special conditions which are granted to certain exam candidates for them to write their exams. Generally speaking, exam concessions are granted to candidates when it is recognised that they would be at a disadvantage writing exams under the normal exam conditions. Some concessions are obvious: physically handicapped students, for example. Clearly, a visually impaired student has to have exams in Braille or read out to him/her and s/he will also need someone to record the answers. A student with motor (muscle movement) difficulties will also need someone to record answers. So these students will need a room apart and specially prepared exam papers, as well as someone assigned by the Ministry of Education to record answers.
But there are other types of conditions for which concessions can be granted. Students who have been assessed by a competent professional as having a learning difficulty can apply for concessions. The concessions given will vary depending on the nature of the learning difficulty. Students with spelling difficulties, like dyslexia, can apply not to be penalised for spelling mistakes. Students who process information slower than others can apply for extra time (I think the maximum given is 25% more time, 15 minutes per hour). Students with attention difficulties can apply to do the exam in a private room so that distractions are minimised. (As a matter of fact, students getting extra time will also be in separate rooms.) Students whose handwriting is truly illegible, especially under pressure, can apply to type their answers on a computer which has been cleared of any information or applications which might give them an unfair advantage. This is completely new information for most people in the country, but it is standard procedure, and has been for many years, for schools and colleges in North America and Europe. In fact, there are laws mandating that necessary services be provided for students with any kind of special need. At community college or university level, there should be an Office for Students with Disabilities which performs the same function, ensuring that students receive the help they need. This may range from individual tutoring to permission to fulfil course requirements in a different way, for example, a verbal presentation instead of a written exam.
How does one go about getting these concessions and at what level are they available? They are available from SEA all the way up to tertiary education. For SEA, application has to be made to the Ministry of Education, with the appropriate documentation, which will include a report from an educational assessment. For regional examinations, CXC and CAPE, applications go to the relevant regional body, which is the Caribbean Examinations Council in Barbados. Why should everyone know about this? Because there are many students in the school system with difficulties of one sort or another and most of them don't understand that, firstly, their academic problems are not because they are stupid or lazy and, secondly, there is help available. This column is meant to empower anyone who thinks that way about himself/herself to start looking for solutions. Here's a starting point for working out whether you might have a learning disability: are you having trouble in school, even though teachers describe you as bright, with lots of potential? Have all your efforts to do better failed somehow? Do you find it difficult to perform as well as your peers, even though you know you have the same ability? Then it may be worth doing further investigation on yourself and applying for the concessions you need. Very important: even if you are not facing a major exam this year or next year, if you do need concessions, it's essential to start getting them now, in school exams, so you become used to them.