Purpose

To provide general guidelines for theory candidates requesting a reader/writer and their teachers, for reader/writers, and for Local Secretaries.

This Policy and Procedure should be read in conjunction with the following Policies and Procedures:

· Setting Theory Examination Papers

· Marking Theory Examination Papers

· Appeal Procedure.

Affected parties

Theory Sub-committee of the Board

National Office

Speech teachers

Theory candidates

Local Secretaries

Reader/Writers

Parameters

1. Any candidate who is requesting a reader/writer has to verify that this is a need. This must be done at the time of the theory entry which must be accompanied by a medical or specialist report indicating a need for a reader/writer.

2. The reader/writer will be appointed by National Office.

3. The reader/writer must not be a family member of the candidate.

4. The Local Secretary will make arrangements for a separate room for the candidate and the reader/writer.

5. The examination paper will be supplied to the reader/writer by the Local Secretary immediately prior to the examination.

6. The Local Secretary will collect the candidate’s script and return it to Head Office with the other scripts.

7. The fee for a reader/writer is $24 per hour. The fee will be paid by the candidate at the time of the entry. National Office will pay the reader/writer after the examination.

8. There will be an additional time allowance of 30 minutes per hour.

9. The reader/writer will:

a. arrive 10 minutes before the start of the examination

b. only read exactly what is on the examination paper and as many times as the candidates requests it

c. let the candidate write their own answers should the candidate wish or write down the candidate’s answer exactly as they say it

d. read back to the candidate the answers that they are writing as many times as the candidate requests it

e. cross out or change any answers at the candidate’s request

f. remain objective throughout the examination

g. report any unacceptable behaviour or requests by the candidate.

10. The reader/writer will not:

a. change or alter the wording of the candidate’s spoken answer, unless requested to do so by the candidate

b. make any suggestions as to what the candidate should write in their answer

c. interpret or explain, meanings of words or sentences to the candidate even if the candidate requests it.

Dates of implementation and review

This policy came into operation on 28^th November 2009

This policy will be reviewed by November 2010