Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht an Bille a chuir sí os ár gcomhair inniu. We know that the accredited grades system has caused a significant amount of anxiety for students and parents. We know that in unprecedented times and events, students were discommoded. It was a very difficult time and they were expected to adjust to the whole process.

I commend the high calibre of teachers we have. They do not get enough credit for the fantastic work they do in encouraging and supporting pupils and going well and truly beyond the call of duty most of the time in schools. As one who spent time in the education system and having worked with fantastic teachers and having been inspired by great teachers at national school and secondary school, I know the importance of teachers. That needs to be acknowledged as we are speaking on an education Bill.

The accredited grades system has created a significant amount of concern and anxiety but I note that the Department has indicated that the principles of equity, fairness and objectivity are paramount in the SEC accredited grades system. One would hope that those principles apply at all times and not just in these exceptional times.

I note that the guidance warns teachers to be aware of any real or perceived conflict of interest involved in giving an estimated mark to a particular student, such as a close relative, in the teacher's class.

I think many teachers will take issue with this as it creates the perception that they are not doing their job in a professionally distant and objective manner. I am glad to see, however, that there is an emphasis on guidance for the grading process on reasonable accommodation for students with special educational needs.

I want to raise a point with the Minister in relation to the State Examinations Commission, which is overseeing this process. Recently, I engaged with her Department on behalf of a constituent in the Tullamore area who was correcting for the leaving certificate in 2019 and who was invited by the State Examinations Commission to correct again this year. He accepted this in good faith and duly corrected 104 candidate portfolios. However, up to last week, he was not given an indication as to the rates of pay involved or the date on which the payment would be made. The same applied to all other examiners. I feel communication needs to improve in that regard. As I understand it, the issue was only resolved last Tuesday evening. I urge the Minister, to ensure the smooth operation of the grading process, to intervene with the SEC so that this does not happen this year and that the communication should be much better and clearer. All those involved in the grading process should be treated fairly. That goes for students, teachers and examiners.

The final point I want to make is on an issue which is very close to my heart. I feel that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special educational needs are badly in need of more supports in order to prepare adequately for the examinations in a way that does not cause them undue anxiety and stress. I know the concerns of teachers have been raised in relation to disadvantaged students who have disengaged. That is a real worry which must be taken onboard. It must be addressed and acted upon. I appeal to the Minister to ensure that happens. Having been a teacher for 12 years, I have seen first hand that education is the key to breaking a cycle of disadvantage. It offers unique opportunities for students. I hope the need for extra supports will be taken onboard and that the concerns of teachers, who have already sounded the alarm in terms of the disengagement of disadvantaged students, will be acted upon quickly and effectively.

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