I REFER to Madam Lee Lay Hong's letter last Tuesday, 'No leeway for visually impaired student' , on special provisions for her child during examinations.

Students with physical or learning disabilities which may adversely affect their performance in the national examinations may request special consideration or arrangements during the school and national examinations or exemption from certain components.

Our schools consider parents' requests for special considerations during school and national examinations sympathetically and on a case-by-case basis, and are guided by medical reports tendered in support of the requests. Schools also align their practice with what the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board grants for the national examinations.

In Madam Lee's case, the school concerned has provided the necessary support for her daughter on a daily basis, as well as granted special provisions during her school examinations. As there may have been some miscommunication on the issue, the school has since clarified the matter with Madam Lee. This has enhanced mutual understanding and expectations on the issue. The school will continue to engage the parents in support of the student's development and growth.

Wong Siew Hoong
Director, Schools
Ministry of Education

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 3 Nov, 2008.