Vol. 506 No. 4
36 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the comparative assessment, if any, he has conducted with students of other European countries of the language proficiency achieved by students in the leaving certificate. [15518/99]
The OECD is currently carrying out comparisons between levels of achievement in different countries in the areas of English reading, mathematics and science. Levels of achievement in languages have so far not been compared in this way but indicators are currently being considered for development by the EU.
The modes of assessment and the levels at which terminal examinations are pitched at present vary a great deal across Europe. Determinants of standards in an examination include the number of subjects taken in the terminal examination and the allocation of marks as between oral, aural and written components. One of the necessary instruments in carrying out any valid comparison will be a common European framework of reference, such as that currently being piloted by the Council of Europe. This framework gives descriptors for scales of proficiency at six different levels ranging from beginner to advanced. It will provide a sound basis for international comparability of language qualifications.
