Paul Connaughton
Ceist:62 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, he has for the development of whole school evaluation following completion of the pilot study. [25232/99]
Written Answers. - School Evaluation.
An advance copy of the report on the whole school evaluation pilot project was circulated to the education partners in September 1999. A total of 35 schools, primary and second-level, participated in the WSE pilot project during the 199899 school year. The report will be available mid-December. Copies of the report will be disseminated to all schools at first and second level and to the education partners. The WSE report sets out the pilot project experience from the perspective of all participants.
The advance copy of the report formed the basis of a series of bilateral meetings with the var ious education partner organisations during October and November 1999. The purpose of the meetings was to hear the reactions of the partners to the WSE pilot project report, their overall views on the WSE process and how best to refine the WSE model. A total of 20 partner groups met with inspectors from my Department during October and November 1999. The education partners have now been invited to make written submissions to my Department on the WSE report and on matters arising.
A draft circular on WSE is at being prepared. The draft circular will be discussed with the education partners in advance of circulation and will outline the practices and procedures underpinning WSE for the future.