Written Answers - Regional Technical Colleges.
Michael Finucane
Ceist:
17
Mr. Finucane
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the plans, if any, he has to develop a national database on dropout rates from regional technical colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16690/97]
I assure the Deputy that attrition rates in the technological sector are a matter of concern. This problem is a matter in the first instance for the individual colleges and the National Council for Educational Awards.
A number of initiatives have been taken by the colleges and the NCEA in relation to the monitoring of uncertified departures:
A system has been developed for a statistical monitoring of uncertified departures from certificate and diploma programmes and has been applied on a pilot basis in some colleges.
Other studies, in both individual colleges and in groups of colleges, have also been carried out with a view to developing actions to minimise uncertified departures.
A comprehensive study on the guidance services in regional technical colleges was carried out with assistance from the National Centre for Guidance in Education.
A further study began in October 1996 aimed at providing a comprehensive examination of the reasons underlying uncertified departures. The study covers the 1996-97 session and encompasses background research, case studies, surveys and questionnaires.
In December 1996, the NCEA initiated a study into admission requirements, academic standards for transfer from national certificate to national diploma to degree and into attrition rates within courses in NCEA designated institutions. An interim report from the study was presented to the council's academic committee last April. I understand, however, that presentation of the final report has been deferred in order to take account of other ongoing studies on attrition rates with a view to providing a more comprehensive analysis of the problem.
In July I established a joint industry-education task force to identify a range of proposals and measures to develop the demand and enrolment process and throughput of successful students on relevant certificate and diploma programmes of study. The findings of this group will be of assistance in developing strategies to improve retention rates generally.
As a first step, I have already announced an initiative whereby industry and colleges will jointly recruit, educate and train technicians. The courses will involve structured work-placement. As applicants will have a clear understanding of their future role in industry, I am confident that the majority of the participating students will complete their courses successfully.
