Who is IDL?

Educators from the Starcross Educational Research Association first proposed the concept of IDL in the mid-1980s. By 2012, SENCO leaders, in collaboration with the Big Lottery-funded "Lifting Barriers" programme, furthered IDL's development for educational use.

Over three years, IDL was implemented in 120 Northwest elementary and senior schools, aiming to improve reading, spelling, and self-esteem among students with dyslexia or similar challenges. The findings indicated an average 11-month improvement in reading and spelling ages after just 26 hours of IDL usage.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a proper method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence. (DfES 2001)

Whilst it is estimated that between 5% - 8% of children have dyscalculia, the learning difficulty remains an under-researched area worldwide. As a result, there needs to be more guidance for teachers on supporting students with the condition. IDL has developed their Numeracy Screener software as an opportunity for teachers and caretakers to assess a child for dyscalculia traits and understand the mathematical areas a child may find difficult to grasp.

What is the IDL Numeracy Screener?

The IDL Numeracy Screener has been developed with input from Judy Hornigold, independent maths education consultant and dyscalculia specialist. It provides a simple-to-use online test highlighting any dyscalculic tendencies or number SEN. The numeracy test takes around 15 minutes and is perfect for screening pupils aged up to 11. It can screen an entire year group or individual pupils showing signs of math anxiety or math difficulties.

• Step 1: Pupils complete a 15-minute online test that uses audio-visual delivery with clear instructions. You can test an unlimited number of pupils individually or as a group.

• Step 2: Review the pupils' scores instantly. The screener provides scoring on reaction time, number sense, number value, arithmetic, visual memory, auditory memory, visual pattern memory, number stroop and sequencing.

•Step 3: Pinpoint areas for further assistance or intervention.

•Step 4: Implement further intervention or learning support. IDL can help with their IDL Numeracy software.

While the Screener won't give a dyscalculia diagnosis, it will indicate which maths principles a student is struggling with and, therefore, assist with individual assessment, further intervention, and lesson planning.

Does IDL Supply Other Learning Support Software?

IDL has an extensive range of products that support learners in both literacy and numeracy. You can view other products here:

IDL Literacy

IDL Numeracy

IDL Numeracy Screener

IDL Multiplication Tables Check

IDL Maths Tutorials

IDL Wellbeing