Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
390. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanisms that will be put in place to protect teachers, principals and schools from lobbying and canvassing by parents and students regarding potential exam grades due to the change in the leaving certificate for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/20]
View answerAt the core of both the school-based and national standardisation phases of the system of calculated grades is a commitment to objectivity and fairness. To ensure this, the school-based process must not be compromised.
Therefore, the principal, deputy principal(s), teachers or other members of the school staff must not under any circumstances discuss with any student or with the parents or guardians of any student the estimated marks that the school is submitting.
Any attempt to influence teachers in relation to the process of Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades is considered to be entirely inappropriate and will be regarded as canvassing.
Detailed guidance for teachers and principals in this matter is being finalised by my Department.
