Page 22 - Annual Report 2018/19

Strengthening Support for
Candidates with
Special Educational Needs

Over the years, the HKEAA has worked
closely with schools, teachers, the Education
Bureau and relevant experts to foster a more
inclusive examination environment for an
increasing number of SEN candidates. The
total number of SEN candidates has gone up
from around 1,000 in the inaugural HKDSE in
2012 to over 3,000 in 2019. The use of the STT software will be extended to
seven elective subjects starting from the
There were 144 home-centres for candidates 2020 HKDSE
with SEN, while 99 schools served as home
cum district centres to accommodate their
own students and other candidates who Meanwhile, we continued to allow eligible
required similar arrangements for written candidates with Specific Learning Disabilities
examinations in the same district. Meanwhile, (SLD) to use the speech-to-text (STT)
20 special centres were set up to serve other software in the HKDSE. A total of 190
SEN candidates. candidates from 97 schools used the
software in the Liberal Studies written
In the 2019 HKDSE, about 6,600 special examination. Based on the statistical
question papers are prepared for SEN analyses and advice from subject experts,
candidates. eligible candidates will also be allowed to use
the STT software in seven elective subjects,
Applications for special examination including Chinese History, Ethics and Religious
arrangements (SEAs) are considered by Studies, Geography, Health Management and
the Committee on Special Needs Social Care, History, Literature in English,
Candidates (the Committee) and the Task Tourism and Hospitality Studies starting from
Group on SEAs for Candidates with Specific the 2020 HKDSE.
Learning Disabilities (SLD) (the Task
Group) in accordance with the guidelines
laid down by the Public Examinations
Board (PEB). The existing documentation
requirements for extra time allowance from
candidates with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
and / or Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
(AD/HD) were reviewed by the Committee and
the new recommendations were endorsed by
the PEB. Apart from a valid diagnostic
report, the candidates concerned should
submit the rationale and recommendation
for extra time allowance jointly made by the
school and a relevant expert.

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