Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 4

Written Answers. - Inservice Training.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

200 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the evaluation check which has been carried out on the programme exploring masculinity in schools; the results of these evaluations; the progress in extending the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14343/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Information on the Exploring Masculinities programme is being disseminated through the transition year support service, as part of its in-career development programme for transition year co-ordinators. To date, approximately 150 co-ordinators have participated in this in-service programme, which included a presentation on the Exploring Masculinities materials.

In their evaluation of the entire day's in-service, 117 participants found the day very helpful. Of these, 82, 70%, singled out the Exploring Masculinities component for positive mention and considered that the issues included in the programme should be dealt with in transition year. There was only one negative response to the con tent of the programme. Due to the recent industrial action in schools, the in-career development programme was not completed, but it is planned to continue with it in the next academic year.

I recently commissioned a full review of the Exploring Masculinities programme by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA. This review is under way and a report, which will include the views of students, teachers and parents, will be made available to me as soon as the work has been completed.