Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
The general level of academic attainment of these learners will be significantly lower than that of their peers. Their cognitive ability and/or attainment levels will be at or below the second percentile. Generally they will have difficulty acquiring literacy and numeracy skills. Other difficulties may include associated speech and language delay, low self-esteem, low levels of concentration and underdeveloped social skills.
Curriculum Resources for MLD
These curriculum resources are suitable for learners with moderate learning difficulties (MLD). They aim to provide teachers with support in the planning, teaching and assessment process within the classroom. All these units are aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Learning for Life and Work Resources
The aim of these thematic units is to support the teaching and assessing of Learning for Life and Work for pupils from 11 – 19 years of age.
The thematic units connect the Learning for Life and Work (LLW) subject strands of Personal Development, Local and Global Citizenship, Home Economics and Employability. They provide a number of learning, teaching and assessment activities with supporting resources to help teachers address the statutory requirements, key elements and statements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
These resources give learners an opportunity to explore some of the issues and challenges that will face them as independent adults.
Case Studies
Assessment for MLD
Learners with statements of moderate learning difficulties will be assessed by teacher assessment in the same way as the majority of learners. In exceptional cases, a learner may be exempted from all or part of the assessment arrangements, if this is specifically provided for in their statement of special educational needs.
There may be other occasional and exceptional circumstances where the principal considers that it would be inappropriate to undertake teacher assessment. In such circumstances the learner may be exempted on a temporary basis from the statutory arrangements. Details of the circumstances and procedures for making temporary exceptions are set out in Circular 1990/45 issued by the Department of Education in August 1990.
A range of assessment frameworks have been developed to support teachers with the assessment process. All these frameworks are aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
