State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Questions (462, 480)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

462. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on an Irish Independent Millward Brown opinion poll of 19 May 2014 which revealed that parents have overwhelmingly backed teachers in their opposition to proposals to have them marking their own pupils' junior certificate papers and that 60% of those polled also said that teachers should not assess their own pupils; her further views that this opposition is highest among women and young persons between the ages of 18 and 24, who have just emerged from the secondary school system. [46158/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

480. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to an opinion poll (details supplied) on 19 May 2014 that reveals parents have overwhelmingly backed teachers in their opposition to proposals to have them marking their own pupils' junior certificate papers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46264/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 480 together.

Since my appointment as Minister, I have consulted widely with all education partners on the proposed reform of the Junior Cycle, including with representatives of parents. I have listened to their concerns and reflected on how I could present the necessary reforms to address their concerns and those of other partners. I am aware of and noted the findings of the Irish Independent /Millward Brown opinion poll which was published in May, though I note that this poll only included one question on junior cycle within a much broader opinion poll relating to levels of support for party politics and a range of public policy issues.

On November 10th I presented my revised proposal to the Teacher Unions. This included the reinstatement of the State certificate on completion of junior cycle and the 60: 40 balance between final assessment set and marked by the State Examinations and the school based assessment of skills exhibited through, for example, portfolios, projects, oral examinations which will be monitored by the SEC.

I welcome the support that the National Parents Council Post Primary has given to my proposal and the Council's request to the Teacher Unions to reconvene discussions.