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State Examinations Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Questions (295)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

295. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding teachers protesting outside schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13001/14]

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Written answers

My Department is currently actively considering the concerns expressed by the teacher unions and the other partners in relation to the new Junior Cycle and has already responded to some of their identified concerns. In fact additional CPD has already been provided for subject specialist teachers and also for school leaders. A full day per year has also been granted for whole school consideration of the Junior Cycle reform, subject to Board of Management approval. The pace of implementation has also been slowed.

A National Working Group for Junior Cycle has been set up as a forum to proactively address identified challenges as they arise over the phased implementation time schedule for the Junior Cycle. My officials are currently engaged in intensive discussions with the education stakeholders on the resources including the detailed modalities in relation to workload and implementation issues for schools and teachers; on quality assurance and teacher assessment and on the professional development required to support teachers and school leaders to implement the Junior Cycle.

I expect to receive a detailed report on these issues from the National Working Group in May. School management bodies, Educate Together and parents have made written proposals to the Department of Education and Skills which include their views on the resources required. This is under active consideration. However, Unions have refused to put proposals in writing in relation to the implementation issues highlighted, despite repeated requests. Their oral position is that, unless there is an external high-stakes examination, reform will not work. I have confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our teachers. I have provided additional CPD and am considering other resources which will provide teachers, students, parents and the wider community with confidence in the new junior cycle as it is rolled out. Such assessment models work in many other countries and I believe with the right supports it will work in Ireland.

My officials are in dialogue through the National Working Group. We want the new Junior Cycle to work so that a quality education experience is the reality for all our students.

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