Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the intention behind this amendment. I can agree with it in principle and I thank the Senator for tabling it. Fundamentally, the process of standardisation will operate at national level. It is preferable to use aggregate or cohort data, as the evidence is that the use of junior cycle data in the regression model is of better predictive quality when done at a class group rather than individual level.

I cannot agree to the amendment, however, as in certain cases, it is necessary to rely on the individual junior cycle result of an individual student, where that student is typically an out-of-school learner or a student pursuing a subject out of school. This was the case in 2020 in respect of calculated grades and it is set out in the published national standardisation group report.We were conscious of this from the outset. To ensure we were being clear about the junior cycle's potential use in standardisation, the February guide to State examinations and accredited grades for the leaving certificate 2021 stated, "Though the prior performance of the class group in Junior Cycle may be used in this process, the individual performance of the student at Junior Cycle would not be a determinant of their performance at Leaving Certificate, other than when the subject is being taken outside of school." However, the accredited grades system is, in the overall, subject to the determination of policy by myself. Specifically, section 2(2)(d) operates in accordance with such policy directions as the Minister may give. On that basis, and although I am rejecting the amendment, I am happy to include in my determination under section 2(1) a policy direction expressly stating the junior cycle and leaving certificate data used in the process of standardisation will be aggregated or cohort data subject to the flexibility referred to in limited cases, which is our intention in any event.