Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
77. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions he will take to accelerate the narrowing of the gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and further improve the outcomes for those attending DEIS schools in view of the recent evaluation report of DEIS schools which shows a narrowing of the gap between the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2661/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the findings in this latest ERC evaluation of the DEIS programme which shows a narrowing of the gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools both in terms of performance at Junior Certificate level and retention rates. It is also very encouraging to see a rise in the percentage of students in DEIS schools taking English and Mathematics at Higher Level.
This research provides further valuable evidence that the DEIS programme is working. These improvements would not be possible without the commitment and dedication shown by the principals and teachers in these schools.
It is also worth noting that the study also supports the rationale for providing additional supports to those schools with the highest concentrations of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, it is still apparent that a gap still remains between DEIS and non-DEIS schools. The aim of DEIS Plan 2017 is to continue to work towards narrowing this gap and it contains 108 actions regarding the implementation of the Plan. Work has commenced on the implementation of these actions in with a focus on targeting extra resources as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need.
For the first time key targets have been set in specific areas such as literacy and numeracy, retention rates and progression. All DEIS schools receive a suite of supports with those with the highest levels of disadvantage benefiting from lower class size. DEIS schools receive financial resources in the form of a DEIS grant as well as an enhanced book grant. They also have access to literacy and numeracy supports, priority access to professional development and the Centre for School Leadership, enhanced guidance allocation, access to Incredible Years and Friends Programme, access to School Meals Programme and Home School Community Liaison Scheme and School Completion Programme.
Another example of an action we are taking to narrow the gap is the School Excellence Fund-DEIS. This enables schools to apply for funding to implement innovative programmes which are context-specific and aimed at improving learning outcomes. Full details on DEIS Plan 2017 can be found at: https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/DEIS-Plan-2017.pdf
The implementation of the various actions, to further improve the educational outcomes of those attending DEIS Schools, will continue during 2019.
