Vol. 523 No. 5
128 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has concluded his consideration of the latest interim report from the Educational Research Centre on Breaking the Cycle; the plans he has in respect of the pro gramme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21491/00]
The interim reports on the urban and rural dimensions of the Breaking the Cycle project are the subject of ongoing consideration in my Department. However, I can advise the Deputy that a summary of the urban report has been issued to the relevant schools in a recent newsletter. A similar briefing on the interim evaluation of the rural dimension of the project by the Educational Research Centre in Drumcondra will issue to all the teachers in the 122 rural schools very shortly. Copies of the full interim reports are being made available to interested parties.
Breaking the Cycle is a five year project spanning the period from 1 September 1996 until 30 June 2001. The evaluation of aspects of it will continue until this latter date. A salient feature of the project in urban schools is a significant reduction to 15:1 in the pupil-teacher ratio in the junior classes – infants through second class – in the schools. A significant feature of the project in rural schools is the provision of a local co-ordinator in each of 25 clusters of schools to promote parental involvement, support school staffs and give direct support to pupils who are at risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving. Both dimensions of the project provide for funding for books, learning materials and local initiatives. It is also required that schools engage in planning, in-career development and the evaluative process.
It is anticipated that the final report from the Educational Research Centre will be forwarded to my Department at the end of 2001. When that report has been considered fully, decisions will be made regarding the future of the programme.
