David Stanton
Question:81 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce systematic testing of literacy and numeracy at school level. [25878/98]
Written Answers - Literacy and Numeracy Levels.
The great majority of schools now administer standardised tests of literacy at each class level from first class upwards. An increasing number of schools are using similar tests in mathematics. The results are used to inform teachers and parents of pupil progress in these core areas of the curriculum. In addition, the test results are used for identifying pupils in need of remedial teaching and for assisting teachers in the organisation of their pupils for class and group teaching. It is felt that this existing practice of testing pupils using standardised tests best meets the needs of the pupils and their parents.
Seán Ryan
Question:82 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the specific new measures, if any, he will introduce in 1999 to bring literacy standards to the highest possible levels at first, second and third levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25829/98]
A range of schemes under the Department's support for schools in disadvantaged areas is already in place. In addition to the Early Start pre-school pilot project, the Breaking the Cycle pilot project and the home-school community liaison scheme, the new initiative focused on eight to 15 year old early school leavers should have a positive effect on raising standards in these schools during 1999. It is also intended to begin the process of introducing the revised primary curriculum to schools during 1999. There is an increased emphasis in the English curriculum on raising literacy standards through the development of reading skills as part of a whole language process. There will be a significant programme of in-career development of teachers in regard to the introduction of this revised curriculum.
School planning guidelines will be issued to schools at first and second levels. This initiative should ensure that there is a whole school approach to literacy development and extension and a whole school responsibility for raising standards in this area. It is planned to extend the provision of psychological, remedial and resource teaching services to schools. Among the strategies to be encouraged during 1999 will be earlier identification and a sharper focus on supporting pupils with learning difficulties and more intensive interventions. All of these developments should help to raise literacy standards. The review of teacher training at first and second levels will give new direction to existing practice in the preparation of teachers for the teaching of literacy and for improving teachers' skills in tackling reading difficulties and underachievement in pupils, thereby raising standards.
A new leaving certificate English syllabus will be introduced in 1999. This will complement the emphasis on functional literacy in the junior certificate English syllabus. While in the past literature and creative writing may have dominated the leaving certificate programme at the expense of functional language, teachers are now being made more conscious of the need to inculcate proficiency in the English of the workplace. This emphasis will be reflected in the in-service programme for teachers of leaving certificate English which is just about to commence.
Ireland is participating in a major OECD a programme for international student assessment which will involve assessment in three main domains — reading, mathematics and science. The main focus in the testing of achievement of 15 year olds in 2000 will be in reading. In preparation during April 1999, 1,800 15 year olds will be assessed in reading in 60 schools in Ireland. Reading literacy is defined in the project as understanding, using and reflecting on written tests, in order to achieve one's goals, to develop one's knowledge and potential and to participate in society.
Encouraging full participation in the education system is a key factor in ensuring good levels of literacy. During 1999 fuller participation by traveller children in second level education will be promoted and the promotion of an increased retention rate to the end of senior cycle will be encouraged. The development of measures to raise literacy standards at third level is a matter for the colleges themselves.