Free Twilight Event: Handwriting and Typing in Secondary School Students

Difficulties in producing legible handwriting at sufficient speed can hamper progress and lead to underachievement in secondary school. When difficulties are significant, students may be granted accommodations in normal class work and written examinations, such as allowing typing and use of a word processor. However, little is known about policy and practice in schools regarding how teachers make decisions relating to support for students with handwriting difficulties.

We are surveying school teachers/SENDCos and school Occupational Therapists to gain their views on current policy and practice in this area. Preliminary findings from our surveys will be reported to indicate the current status of handwriting and typing in secondary schools in England. We invite delegates to be involved in our research to describe approaches taken in their own schools. This will help provide a comprehensive picture across different settings allowing us to identify future training and support needs for students and school staff.

The meeting is via Zoom. A link will be sent to you when you register for the meeting.