SMART Target Examples for Dyslexia
in Irish Primary Schools
Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. In Irish schools, students with dyslexia typically need targeted literacy intervention within the NEPS Continuum of Support, with strengths often evident in verbal reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Prevalence in Ireland
Dyslexia affects approximately 6-8% of the Irish population, making it the most commonly identified specific learning difference in primary schools.
SMART Target Examples by NEPS Need Area
These targets are mapped to NEPS need areas and categorised by Continuum of Support level. Replace [student] with the student's name and [date] with your review date (typically 6-8 weeks).
Literacy
By [date], [student] will decode CVC words with short vowel sounds with 80% accuracy across 20 words, as assessed by the SET using a running record.
By [date], [student] will read a passage at [X] level with 95% accuracy and answer 3 out of 5 comprehension questions correctly, as assessed by the SET.
By [date], [student] will spell 15 out of 20 high-frequency words from the Dolch list correctly in a weekly spelling test.
By [date], [student] will use phoneme segmentation to spell unfamiliar CVC and CVCC words with 70% accuracy in dictated sentences.
By [date], [student] will write 5 sentences on a given topic using a writing frame, with correct use of capital letters and full stops in 4 out of 5 sentences.
Language & Communication
By [date], [student] will retell a story in sequence using 5 key events with visual support, on 3 out of 5 occasions, as observed by the SET.
By [date], [student] will use 3 new vocabulary words from the current class topic correctly in oral sentences on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Attention & Concentration
By [date], [student] will sustain engagement with a reading task for 10 consecutive minutes using a reading ruler and quiet workspace, on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Executive Function
By [date], [student] will independently use a proofreading checklist (capitals, full stops, spelling) to review their written work before submission, on 3 out of 5 occasions.
Social & Emotional
By [date], [student] will identify 2 personal strengths related to learning and share them during a check-in with the SET, as recorded in session notes.
Common Strengths
- Strong verbal reasoning and oral comprehension
- Creative and imaginative thinking
- Good problem-solving and lateral thinking skills
- Strong visual-spatial awareness
- Excellent understanding of concepts when read to
- Resilient and determined when supported appropriately
Common Needs
- Targeted phonological awareness and decoding instruction
- Multi-sensory approaches to reading and spelling
- Additional time for reading and written tasks
- Assistive technology for accessing text (e.g., text-to-speech)
- Structured, cumulative literacy programme
- Support with self-esteem related to literacy difficulties
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections of the Student Support File.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] has excellent oral comprehension and can discuss complex topics at an age-appropriate level.”
- “[Student] demonstrates strong creative thinking in art and project work.”
- “[Student] shows good problem-solving skills in mathematics when questions are read aloud.”
- “[Student] is a kind and supportive classmate who contributes well to group discussions.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs targeted phonological awareness instruction to support decoding skills.”
- “[Student] requires a structured, multi-sensory literacy programme for spelling development.”
- “[Student] benefits from additional time and assistive technology for written tasks.”
- “[Student] needs support with reading fluency to access the curriculum independently.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for dyslexia in Irish primary schools?
How do I write a Student Support File for a child with dyslexia?
What literacy programmes are recommended for dyslexia in Ireland?
Can a child with dyslexia get extra time in exams?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
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