Vol. 487 No. 2
53 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the response, if any, of his Department to the issue of differing levels of numeracy and literacy skills amongst boys and girls at primary school level; if he has commissioned a specific report on this subject; the proposals, if any, he intends to introduce to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3554/98]
The performance of Irish nine year olds in mathematics and literacy was examined in a number of international studies since 1990 and in each case gender differences were considered. In the Second International Assessment of Educational Progress in Mathematics and Science (1991), and again in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (1995), the average score in mathematics of Irish nine year old girls was higher than that of boys of the same age. However, differences found were not statistically significant.
The reading literacy performance of Irish nine year olds was assessed in the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Study of 1991. Average scores on the reading literacy test were higher for girls than for boys in all participating countries. Gender differences were found to be greater in Ireland than in most other countries. Gender difference in numeracy and literacy achievements is a significant issue which warrants further exploration. In this context it will form part of the national reading survey which will be conducted by the Educational Research Centre and my Department's inspectorate in May 1998. In addition, the revised primary curriculum in English currently being prepared by the NCCA will place special emphasis on the development of oral language competence in both boys and girls.
