Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
117 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals with regard to the introduction of a scheme to release information in relation to schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9885/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my view it is desirable that parents have information about schools that is meaningful, fair and fully rounded. At present, this information can often be anecdotal and based on hearsay. More recently, we have seen the introduction of an unofficial form of league tables based upon third level entry patterns. All this simply reflects that we have steered away from a real and honest public debate about this issue in favour of catchphrases and soundbites. We have allowed a vacuum to develop and it has been filled by superficial and limited information.
It is not good enough to suggest that the issue is one of crude league tables based upon raw examination results or nothing. I do not support that form of league table which has come into being in the absence of a well-constructed alternative. I do not want to see third level entry data continue as the only published yardstick of our schools' effectiveness. We are all aware that league tables based solely on academic results are a flawed measure of the effectiveness and quality of schools. Their use can distort the pattern of school enrolment and the access of students to education as well as the provision of curricula and participation in examinations. They can adversely affect the motivation of students and teachers alike. Their use can also lead to distortions and inequalities in the education system. It is not enough to say what we are against; we must also discuss what we want. For my part, I want a real debate about the real issues, including maximising the information for parents.
As regards the Minister's initial net point, that has been Fine Gael policy since the late 1990s, so we are coming from the same perspective in that sense. What does the Minister intend to achieve through the publication of league tables? I take his point that the current method of compiling such tables, by using information obtained from third level institutions through the Freedom of Information Act, gives us a one-sided approach. What does the Minister intend to do if a school is doing particularly well in the league tables? Obviously, the fear for such a school is that it may receive less funding. Likewise, if a school is faring poorly, will the tables be used as a yardstick for assessing a school's failure to put other matters in place?
Does the Minister agree they could be used to assess the Department in terms of what it provides to schools, for example, PE halls and the implementation of the junior certificate science syllabus, which all schools were not in a position to implement? If schools are evaluated, they should be judged on whether they can offer the entire curriculum. Will the Minister confirm whether league tables will assess a student's baseline as he or she enters school and follow him or her through the system so that a fair result can be achieved? A school in a disadvantaged area cannot be compared to a fee paying school, which does not take in students from all backgrounds. How will the Minister ensure fairness in this regard?
I welcome the Deputy's acceptance of the net point. Most people in education agree on steering clear of only using examination results as a measure of a school's performance. The purpose of the scheme is to recognise schools that do what they are supposed to, taking into account all the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy, and provide maximum information so that parents and students are enabled to make well informed choices regarding schooling. The scheme will not provide that because a school fulfils its role in producing well rounded, successful students, it should be hammered and allocated less money.
The Deputy referred to a number of factors that might be taken into account. While I have not put forward a policy document, I have initiated a debate on this issue but a number of issues raised by the Deputy will be considered, including the socio-economic background of students, the facilities available, extracurricular activities and other provisions that are not currently academically measured. These are value-added measures.
I do not like using the phrase "league tables" because it is shorthand and conveys the wrong meaning. However, I would like to ensure, taking all factors into account, that we have a reasonable picture of how well a school is doing and, in cases where they are not doing as well as they should, the Department could assist them to raise their standards.
