Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Evaluation Reports.

John Bruton

Question:

746 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if parent representatives on school boards of management are to be given access to the results of whole school assessments and collaborative reviews of schools undertaken in their school; if they will be given information regarding the performance of their schools against national norms of standardised tests in literacy; and, if not, the reason in this regard. [1401/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

All members of a school's board of management, including parent representatives, will have access to the results of a whole school evaluation conducted in the school by the inspectorate in my Department. The results will be set out in a report which will issue to the school board of management shortly after the whole school evaluation takes place. A copy of the whole school evaluation report will also issue to the school principal for the attention of all members of the teaching staff.

At primary level the whole school evaluation report will contain evaluative judgments on all aspects of school life, including pupils' attainment in literacy. Evidence underpinning the judgments made on a school's literacy levels will be collated from a range of sources, including pupils' performance in standardised, norm-referenced reading tests in evaluating literacy levels in the school. These tests, which are developed in Ireland and which are in use in many schools, are based on national norms in literacy attainment.

In accordance with section 21 of the Education Act, 1998, it is the responsibility of the board of management of each school to ensure that school planning is undertaken and that a school plan is drawn up. Guidelines on developing a school plan have recently been issued to all schools. The board of management, including parent representatives, will play an important role in supporting the school in producing, developing and reviewing a school plan relevant to the needs of the school and its pupils.

In order to meet its responsibility in this regard, the board will need to be aware, on an ongoing basis, of the results of the school's own self-review activities in areas such as curriculum and learning outcomes. In addition section 20 of the Education Act 1998 requires boards to establish procedures for informing parents of matters relating to the performance of the school, with particular reference to the achievement of objectives as set out in the school plan.