Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
35. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he will deal with concerns of teaching unions on the proposed plans for the junior certificate cycle reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16432/14]
View answerI set up a National Working Group for Junior Cycle last January as a forum to proactively address identified challenges and opportunities as they arise over the phased implementation time schedule for the Junior Cycle from now until at least September 2019 when all the subjects will have been phased in. My officials, through this National Working Group, are currently engaged in intensive discussions with the education stakeholders. Three sub-groups have been established to consider the following issues - Workload and implementation issues for schools and teachers; Quality assurance and support for teacher assessment; and the Continuing professional development required to support teachers and school leaders to implement the Junior Cycle. I expect to receive a report on these issues from the National Working Group in May.
