Written Answers. - Educational Projects. – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Written Answers. - Educational Projects.

Question:
370 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the assessments, if any, undertaken into the Breaking the Cycle and Early Start programmes; the steps, if any, he will take following the conclusions of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19920/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra was commissioned to evaluate the Early Start and Breaking the Cycle pilot projects.

The report on Early Start has now been finalised and will be considered in conjunction with the report on the National Forum for Early Childhood Education. It is my intention to bring forward a White Paper on early childhood education. The evaluation of Early Start and the report on the forum will be taken fully into account as part of this process.

The first interim reports on the urban and rural dimensions of Breaking the Cycle have been completed. These reports contain baseline data on pupil performance in English and mathematics, which resulted from the assessment, on standardised tests, of third and sixth class pupils in Breaking the Cycle schools in 1997. It is proposed that pupils will be assessed again in May 2000 and the initial impact of the initiative on pupil achievement will be measured in this context.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998