Vol. 553 No. 6
61 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science the specific proposals he has to meet the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government to ensure that every school receives support for the purchase of appropriate and age related literacy tests to assist teachers in their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/02]
98 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the support which will be provided to schools for the purchase of age related literacy tests; when such supports will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14780/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 98 together.
I have a deep interest in the area of literacy and I am determined to improve reading standards. One of the most important measures to be taken in this regard is the provision of resources to facilitate schools in the early identification and diagnosis of pupils' reading difficulties. Schools have already been provided with copies of the Drumcondra English profiles. These instruments can be used in addition to standardised, norm referenced tests to enable teachers to build up a profile of each pupil's strengths and weaknesses. The use of the profiles enables teachers to plan reading, writing and language programmes to suit the individual needs of each pupil.
Arrangements are also being made that all primary classes from first to sixth will be given support for the purchase of standardised, norm referenced tests of literacy. These tests will assist schools in the early identification of pupils with reading difficulties. Through their use each school will also be able to compare its own results with national norms.
School staff will be able to set improvement targets to be achieved within a stated time frame in their school plans. This measure is literally designed to increase the numbers of pupils who function in the higher achievement bands and reduce the number of pupils who function at a low level or who exhibit difficulties.
This approach of building the capacity of schools to administer and, crucially, act upon assessments is the best means of proceeding and helping pupils to attain higher standards.
At post-primary level, grants are available towards the cost of test materials for use in second level schools with recognised guidance and-or remedial teachers. The grants cover 75% of the cost of materials purchased by the school subject to maximum amounts based on the size of the school. The scheme is restricted to the purchase of published tests and the necessary carriage charges and duties associated with the purchase.
I have asked my Department to consider the best method of extending support to schools for the purchase of age related literacy tests as committed to in An Agreed Programme for Government. Details of how this commitment will be implemented will be communicated to schools in due course.
