Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
588. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the work of the transition reform steering group and the proposals it is developing on the transition of school leavers to higher education. [13133/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Transitions Reform Steering Group was established to include representatives from the my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) the Irish Universities Association (IUA), Institutes of Technology Ireland (IoTI), the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Key commitments that have been agreed by the partners are to
- Reduce the number of level 8 degree programmes in higher education and make them more broadly-based;
- Reduce the number of grading bands in the Leaving Certificate exams; and
- Address problematic predictability in the Leaving Certificate exams.
Significant progress has been made on these three commitments and the Group are currently working intensively on a package of proposals for implementation. Major changes will not occur without adequate notice being given to schools, students and parents.
