We are delighted to announce the launch of the IDL Literacy Screener which is available now! Our brand new screener is completely free of charge to all schools. 

The IDL Literacy Screener is a simple, effective online tool that can be used to highlight dyslexic type difficulties. The test takes around 30 minutes to complete and is perfect for screening pupils aged 8 and over. It can be used with groups and individuals where there may be a concern about their literacy progress.

Early identification of difficulties is vital for appropriate and targeted support. This test is incredibly easy to administer, with only one teacher or teaching assistant invigilating a whole class. Results can then be interpreted by class teachers and SENCOs who will find them invaluable for developing appropriate interventions.

The test focuses on the skills needed to understand written and spoken language:

• Auditory processing
• Visual processing
• Short term memory
• Speed of processing
• Organising and sequencing

A demonstrable deficiency in one or more of these skills can be an early indicator of dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

As a thorough test, the IDL Literacy Screener contains 11 individual tasks:

• Names of letters
• Sounds of letters
• Find the vowels
• Known sequences
• Auditory memory
• Sound blending
• Sound discrimination
• Visual discrimination
• Sound discrimination with visual memory
• Alphabetic ordering
• Spelling

Each task contains enough individual questions to ensure accurate assessments can be made. This level of scrutiny allows the results to be used either as a quick indicator of low ability or to identify more specific issues.

There is no time limit and questions that are not intended to ascertain short term memory will have options to repeat audio prompts for improved accessibility. The screener also uses the customisable colours in the same manner as IDL Literacy meaning that learners with previously identified issues can read more easily.  

Why is it important to detect dyslexia early?

Early detection of dyslexia is critical for instructing children in the best way possible. The IDL Literacy Screener accurately identifies dyslexia and dyslexic tendencies in children, and alerts teachers to which learners require additional support. It is an online, adaptive screener which means that it adapts to the child’s level of skill. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying literacy difficulties, rather than just for screening for dyslexia.

Early intervention is critical in supporting children with dyslexia because it helps schools ensure that the child does not fall behind other children in their class, or worse still, develop a dislike of reading. By helping dyslexic learners to improve their skills, teachers can enable their learners to grow in confidence and reach their potential.

To find out more about this exciting new product email hello@idlsgroup.com or complete the Free Trial form below.