Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that the appeals process for calculated grades for leaving certificate students will be transparent and that details of the way in which the determination is reached will be made available to the pupil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6232/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided regarding the leaving certificate exams appeal process; the date from which students can appeal their exam results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6725/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 359 together.
As part of the calculated grades process where a student is not satisfied with their calculated grade it can be appealed to my Department. The appeal system is set out in the information available on my Department’s website. The appeals mechanism will ensure that each step in the process leading to the generation of a calculated grade has been followed correctly and that all data has been used and transferred correctly.
The appeals process will not examine the initial estimated mark that was decided by the subject teacher. The teacher is the best placed person to examine the work of the student and give a balanced professional judgement, based on evidence, about the expected achievement of the student.
The appeal process will include a three-stage process involving:
- Stage 1: Checks will be undertaken to ensure that the data was recorded correctly by the school and that it was transferred correctly into the data collection system.
- Stage 2: There will also be a review to ensure that the data was correctly received and processed in the calculated grade model.
- Stage 3: Students unhappy with the outcome of this process can seek a review by Independent Appeal Scrutineers.
If students are unhappy with the outcome of this review, there will be an opportunity to sit the examinations at a later stage when it is safe and practicable to do so.
In addition, the Department will arrange for an independent expert unconnected with the design of the calculated grades model to provide overall validation on the model, including the operation of the appeals system.
