People have asked…
“What do we need to take into account when administering the QS dyslexia test to someone whose first language is not English? What scores could be affected and how would that impact our interpretation?”
Here’s what you need to know…
The QuickScreen Dyslexia Test is recommended only for candidates with a good GCSE-level (or equivalent) proficiency in English.
Since our most recent research has confirmed the Reading Skills test as being a reliable addition to the full QS dyslexia test, we would suggest that where the level of English language fluency is in doubt, it may be preferable to administer the Reading Test first. If the results show that the candidate is struggling with this, it may not be appropriate to attempt the QS Dyslexia test.
The reading test will provide information about silent reading speed, fluency of reading and level of comprehension. A very useful test for all candidates who have ESOL issues.
It’s important to note the time taken (given that around 30 minutes is the suggested time). So if a candidate spends an hour or more, they clearly are working at a slower than average pace.
The test summary will also state if there is any indication of SpLD/dyslexia or general processing difficulties, although clearly this will not capture all potential dyslexia cases, as a number of people with dyslexia are quite fluent readers but experience difficulties in other areas.
The QuickScreen tests can therefore be taken by candidates whose first language is not English, as long as they have a working knowledge of written and spoken English.
Useful tips
One key indicator to watch for is a lack of fluency in the Vocabulary Test. This score can highlight difficulties with English language proficiency. When this result is significantly lower than others, the report will include a note such as ‘a possible lack of fluency in English language’.
Where this is combined with slow processing and/or slow reading levels (both shown in the summary of results), the difficulties may be more language-related than dyslexia-specific.
That said, it’s also true that language issues and dyslexia can overlap in some cases.
The Processing Section
This part of the test covers:
- Reading fluency
- Comprehension
- Spelling and punctuation
It offers immediate insight into how well the candidate is coping with adult-level literacy. Candidates may perform well in spelling (especially if taught as a second language), but vocabulary knowledge and reading fluency are more likely to expose challenges.
All results are shown in both graph and statistical summary format.
The test recommends completing as much of the dictation as possible. If the candidate doesn’t know the spelling of a word, they are urged to type it in as best they can. The more information provided, the more their results will be of help and relevance.
Whilst there are some harder words to spell, at least two-thirds of the content is made up of words that are quite straightforward.
This subtest acts as a graded spelling test, but rather than isolated words, it is embedded in continuous speech. Research suggests this is a more authentic and effective way to assess spelling and phonological skills, especially in adults.
Key tests not reliant on English language
Some tasks within the screener do not depend on English fluency and can still offer valuable insights.
These include:
- Short-term and working memory
- Sequencing
A lower than expected score in either or both of these tasks would be significant.
Although in the case of adults who are much older in age, it may also be an indication of age-related lapses in memory and speed of reaction, where this is a possibility, the report will make a mention of it.
Furthermore, the visual skills test, which is not dependent on fluency in English, will flag up particular strengths or difficulties in visual and analytical skills – a key component in ability. So, where the vocabulary or verbal reasoning may be deflated by English language difficulties, visual skills can provide an indicator of ability.
That said, this does not provide a full picture of ability, particularly in some cases where the individual may happen not to be good at solving visual puzzles – but in many cases it can serve as a helpful marker in all those who display average or above performance in this mode of intelligence.
Summary
We regularly update our research using statistical surveys. In both 2021 and 2024, our independent analysis of QuickScreen results confirmed:
- A 93% accuracy level
A 97% predictive capacity for dyslexia
These studies were based on a representative sample of QS candidates, drawn from colleges, universities, and public sector organisations, and therefore included many individuals for whom English is a second language.