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UK schools letting down dyslexic students

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09.01.2008

Ground-breaking research reveals high number of entrepreneurs in the UK and US suffer from dyslexia

A staggering 35% of US entrepreneurs suffer from dyslexia, compared to 20% in the UK, a ground-breaking study by Julie Logan, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Cass Business School, reveals.

Professor Logan says the primary reason why the US has a greater number of dyslexic entrepreneurs is because they have better systems for identification, intervention and support of those with dyslexia at a young age, giving them a much better chance of success.

The study reveals that while both US and UK school systems fail dyslexics in helping them to achieve academically, US entrepreneurs with dyslexia enjoyed their experience but their UK counterparts had a generally negative experience: “The UK system fails to identify dyslexics at a young age, meaning that many of those with potential to be successful entrepreneurs never get the chance. We should be producing more Richard Bransons, but the system is failing our children.”

Professor Logan said a major contributing reason for alienation amongst dyslexics is that the general teaching styles adopted in the UK are not appropriate, arguing that lessons should encourage both left and right brain learning and encourage soft skill development: “Dyslexics need to be placed in a more holistic and practical teaching setting which will foster their skills and enhance their potential. This approach would produce a more flourishing entrepreneurial society.”

Dimitra Koutsantoni | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.cass.city.ac.uk/media/story_5_1148_91139.html

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