A role for the SEN co‐ordinator in the 1990s: A reply to Dyson

Abstract

In the August 1990 issue of Support for Learning (5(3)) Alan Dyson wrote a provocative article entitled ‘Effective learning consultancy: A future role for special needs co‐ordinators?’ In it he confidently predicted the decline and eventual disappearance of special educational needs (SEN) co‐ordinators. Further he claimed there were fundamental contradictions and philosophical confusion at the heart of the ‘whole school approach’ which were ultimately self‐defeating. To survive, he concluded, SEN co‐ordinators must develop new models of teaching and learning including a change of title to ‘effective learning consultant’. This new ELC would primarily be responsible for helping teachers and schools improve the effectiveness of the learning situation.Norman Butt responds to the Dyson thesis. He points out the omissions and contradictions he finds in Dyson's arguments. Notably he takes Dyson to task for overlooking the possible effects of local management of schools and his purportedly facile dismissal of the ‘whole school approach’. In contrast Butt claims to find many commendable examples of this approach. Further he sees progress towards the normalisation of schools and states that the whole school approach is about ‘making all pupils special’. He converges with Dyson in his belief that a new professional will emerge and offers his own ‘job description’. Co‐ordinator for individual development or effective learning consultant? Readers must make up their own minds. The debate is certain to continue.