Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I am pressing ahead immediately with implementation. I welcome the strong endorsement of Teachers Union of Ireland, TUI, members and while I have no intention of revisiting the agreed framework, I will engage with the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, ASTI, to further clarify any issues. Progressing this must be a priority for all. The Framework for Junior Cycle 2015, which I published in August, sets out the wide-ranging and necessary reforms. Students will have a modernised curriculum, better learning experiences and better outcomes. Classroom-based assessments will take place in March-April or September-October 2016 in line with the framework and improved examinations will support better learning. The junior cycle for teachers, JCT, service is now contacting all schools to arrange the in-service training and a programme of seminars and whole-school continuing professional development, CPD, will commence in early November. The JCT will be pragmatic in phasing the training in order that ASTI teachers are scheduled for CPD later in the programme, thereby providing some time for any clarifications to transact.

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