What is TEST-2R?

It will be a tool for formative assessment administered to pre-readers by classroom teachers. Such a screening instrument has been called for in numerous reports. The project has huge credibility among teachers and is unique in being a product of their efforts as much as that of the researcher and of Trinity College. It is founded in the real life of the classroom. TEST 2R is funded by the Department of Education and Science.

The vast majority of literacy difficulties are phonological in nature. Classroom intervention to address these phonological deficits are undifferentiated. Children who continue to fail may have general learning difficulties; others who fail in spite of normal levels of intelligence do so unexpectedly, and may develop dyslexia. TEST 2R has the potential to greatly reduce this likelihood. Research demonstrates that up to 83% of children who would otherwise go on to fail will benefit from early intervention, thereby greatly reducing the burden on Learning Support and Special Education generally.

Children at risk will be identified early, between the ages of 4 and 7, which means that the classroom teacher can intervene in time to enable the great majority to perform at normal levels of attainment in reading. In doing so we are attacking illiteracy as early as possible in the school career. Our approach is preventative rather than remedial and we believe that our project will result in fulfilment in life for many and substantial savings to education.

TEST 2R has broadbased support in the education community and is overseen by a representative steering committee.

Dr. Donal McAnaney is consultant psychologist to the project. Project Manager is Pat Seaver, Director, Blackrock Education Centre.

TEST 2R Steering Committee Members

Ms Cora Quinn Chairperson. School Vice Principal; Learning Support Teacher, member of Blackrock Education Centre (BEC) Management Committee

Prof Ray Fuller Associate Professor, School of Psychology TCD. TEST-D Academic Supervisor

Pauline Cogan Researcher and Project Leader

Ms Betty Behan BEC Management Committee

Pat Seaver Director, BEC, project manager.

Dr Seamus Cannon former Director, BEC.

John Brennan School Principal - St Lorcan's BNS, formerly CPD Officer BEC

Matt Reville Deputy Chairperson of Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA); Chairperson, Supervisory Committee of COMHAIR LINN Credit Union, Chairperson of Computer Education Society of Ireland

Dymphna Mulkerrin Representing INTO. Member of INTO Education Committee; Chairperson of COMHAIR LINN Credit Union, Learning Support Teacher

Dorothy Gunne National Learning Network (formerly NTDI)

Ms Mary Ball Senior Psychologist, Dyslexia Association of Ireland

Jenny Masterson  Administrator BEC

Dr. Therese McPhillips Principal, St Oliver Plunketts Special School for Dyslexic Children; Management Committee BEC. Currently seconded to St. Patrick’s Training College

Mr Frank Hogan School Principal; Scoil San Treasa, Mount Merrion,

Ms Maeve Heffernan TEST-D Project Administrator