Monica Barnes
Question:53 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science the findings to date in respect of the evaluation of breaking the cycle. [15525/99]
Written Answers. - Breaking the Cycle Project.
The present phase of the breaking the cycle pilot project was introduced in the autumn of 1996 and is scheduled to operate in the participating schools over a planned five-year period. The operation of the scheme is being closely monitored by my Department and the scheme is being evaluated by the education research centre.
As a first step, the research centre carried out a programme of testing in English and mathematics in third and sixth class in the schools in 1997 to establish baselines against which future test results would be compared. It is proposed to assess pupils' attainment again in May 2000 and the initial impact of the initiative on pupil achievement will be measured in this context.
Because of the multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex issues in educational disadvantage, the project is designed to have an impact on schools, teachers and pupils. Consequently, the evaluation will be wide-ranging in its focus.
The future of the scheme as a model for addressing educational disadvantage in urban and rural settings will be considered in light of the findings in the evaluation report.