Dr. David Hughes:

The first question was on the joint work on addressing educational underachievement. In both education systems, very similar patterns of underachievement arising from social disadvantage have been recognised and are being addressed. Over the past couple of years, there has been a sharing of the experience of quite different models of addressing the patterns. What has been going on in school classrooms and communities has been very similar. We have had the benefit of having been briefed on the evaluation of the data project, in particular. Likewise, we have had briefings with colleagues in the Department of Education and Skills on programmes that have been implemented in the North. The conclusion was very clearly that both education systems know how to address similar problems. The overall structures may be different within the different systems but there are very similar interventions at school level. The greatest value of working together is actually increased sharing of experience and good practice, so it is not just a question of policymakers talking to policymakers but teachers and managers in schools talking to teachers and managers in schools who are facing very similar issues.

The proposed way forward has been to go to tender for external support to organise a programme of teacher professional development and dissemination of good practice, including at least one event. Although events are not always the most efficient way of getting information out, they can be very effective. There are other dissemination models. It was proposed that there be a report at the end on the learning from the whole process. A particular feature has been drawing on work the two inspectorates have done on best practice in respect of literacy and numeracy. That work was being done quite separately. The two inspectorates worked together very closely on many issues. They are finishing reports on good practice regarding literacy and numeracy. It was felt that if we are to purchase an engagement process pertaining to educational underachievement, the work on literacy and numeracy would fit in perfectly with that. It was suggested that the two strands be put together and that the programme be purchased. This is progressing. We expect the invitations to tender to be issued in the next month or two.