Vol. 532 No. 2
84 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the progress to date in introducing whole school evaluation; the preparedness of the inspectorate to undertake this work; and when he believes schools will be participating in this scheme. [6968/01]
Following the publication of the Report on the Whole School Evaluation (WSE) Pilot Project, a draft circular and criteria of evaluation for WSE were circulated to the education partners for their views, as part of the consultative process. At present, evaluation criteria are being finalised. The criteria of evaluation will delineate the aspects of quality assurance to be encompassed by WSE and cover five key areas of school activity: (1) learning and teaching, (2) school planning, (3) school management, (4) curriculum provision and (5) support for students and the characteristic spirit of the school.
Preparation for the system wide implementation of WSE is a central element of business planning within the inspectorate. All inspectors have been engaged in appropriate training programmes and some restructuring is in process within the Inspectorate in order to focus on its core evaluative function as set out in section 13 of the Education Act, 1998. In addition, the inspectorate has published its Professional Code of Practice on Evaluation and Reporting which sets out the general principles and guidelines that inform the work of inspectors as they engage in the process of evaluation and reporting. This code of practice will also be of assistance to schools and inspectors as they prepare for the implementation of WSE.
Given the current industrial relations environment, and the need to continue with the partnership approach already adopted in the WSE process, it is not yet possible to indicate precisely when WSE will be introduced throughout first and second level education.
