Cap It All Review

British Dyslexia Association review - by Edwina Cole

Described as "a practical manual for assessing individual needs" Baroness Mary Warnock goes further in her foreword and suggests that "Cap It All" is a tool kit "that all teachers can use". It is certainly all of these things and much more besides!

The introduction recognises that busy teachers need to identify problems before they begin to interfere with a student's learning. Not all teachers have specialist training in SEN, but they are required to cater for all students in their classes. This book will enable ANY teacher to work through a process of assessment efficiently and professionally.

Those familiar with Gavin Reid's work will recognise the sound research on which it is based, and those who have worked with Fil Came will rejoice to see so much that is practical and instantly usable!

Clearly organised into 10 separate areas, any teacher can go straight to the section they require by consulting the detailed table to contents.

Specialist teachers will find much within these pages to interest them and support them in their quest to develop excellent specialist practice. There is a superb glossary of assessment terms which is a helpful reminder to us all and a really useful tool when delivering INSET to colleagues. The, resources section also holds a wealth of information particularly for those involved in outreach to parents and carers. The pupil self-assessment section is interesting - exploring ways of encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Cap It All is excellent. Clear, accessible and so useful. It may perhaps appeal more to those in the primary sector where initial concerns and accurate assessments as early as possible are so vital. However, it will also prove invaluable for those of us who work with older students, enabling us all to keep clear, concise records of student development and progress.

Edwina Cole - ex-SENCo and Head of ALC Stanbridge Earls School, Romsey - as printed in the Hampshire BDA newsletter