3 weeks Ago
Oral Exams Offer Flexibility
A few kilometers further down the road, students at VSO De Ortolaan in Roermond will be taking their first oral state exams today. These are exams that are meant to help students with learning and behavioral issues, like autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Roos Hoornick, who teaches a basic framework class and was named special education teacher of the year, said the tests are given in a conversational way. Examiners can re-phrase questions to make them clearer to students.
The tests are designed to accommodate students with learning disabilities, as well as those who are blind or hard of hearing. This year, approximately 4,000 special education students are registered to take the state exam.
A Learning Environment That Nurtures And A Culture That Inspires
There are two examiners in each oral exam, one poses the questions and the other takes the answers. In many cases, these examiners are from outside schools and often have special education experience. A student could also have someone nearby to give them reassurance, such as a parent or a teacher. The confidant, however, is not allowed during the examination.
While many students are intimidated going in, Hoornick says most walk out of the exam room thinking it wasn’t as bad as it was made out to be. “They know these examiners are people,” she says.
Getting Ready and Staying Cool
Ahead of the exam, Hoornick recommends students not study too late and get a good night's sleep. She stresses starting early and practicing with a teacher or with family and friends. Arranging mock exams can also make students feel more comfortable when here’s the real thing.
For students currently undergoing the oral exam, the results are still outstanding. They should learn whether they have passed in July.
