Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
260. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the status of the implementation of the junior cycle reform, including the issue of revised correction arrangements and additional responsibility for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9502/16]
View answerAssessment arrangements for the new Junior Cycle are set out in the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015, which was published in August 2015, based on the revised junior cycle proposals that were published in summer 2015 following the conclusion of intensive discussions and signed agreement with the leadership of the two second level teaching unions.
New subject specifications will be introduced for all junior cycle subjects. The new specifications will be introduced on a phased basis over the course of the implementation period. Subjects will normally be assessed through a combination of two Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) assessed by teachers, an Assessment Task in each subject assessed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), and a final examination also administered and marked by the SEC.
My Department issued a circular in March clarifying all aspects relating to the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015, including the assessment arrangements. For Junior Cycle English all schools are expected to implement and deliver the new learning and assessment arrangements as outlined in the English specifications which came into effect (for first years) from September 2014.
