Behind the Mask
Round 3 2005-2007
Project Number ESF 0304 416
Project Notes
Re - Behind the Mask
As you will recall the "Behind the Mask" project was set up to test whether difficulties with Language use amongst individuals who did not have English as their first language masked specific or general learning difficulties. If this were to be the case then some specialist first step provision needed to be designed and piloted.
We commissioned the research and have been waiting for a considerable length of time for the report which I gather is now in final draft stage. Whilst I have not seen the report I understand that its essence is that there is no evidence that the initial proposition is correct but rather that some individuals who have english as a second language (if at all) and who also have a learning difficulty or disability have an excellent response to their complex needs whilst others do not. If the report does show this then the question ceases to be whether there is a masking effect and becomes why some people get better resources and responses than others.
Payment for the project from the LSC reflected the division of the project into separate elements and we will not be undertaking the elements of the project related to devising or piloting new curriculum. We will, instead, hold an open event next year to consider whether there are lessons that emerge from the research about how we can improve the service that we offer to individuals who have multiple disadvantages.
Paperwork for Behind the Mask Project
Members of the Consortium Delivering Project
Burnley College, Accrington and Rossendale College, Nelson and Colne College, Preston College
