Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 71: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding her consideration of a report from the NCCA recommending that all 450,000 primary school pupils should be tested for literacy and numeracy in first class and fifth class; if she intends to implement this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19669/05]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to introduce a national student report card in line with recommendations from the NCCA. [19764/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 86: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the system of standardised testing will be introduced at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19723/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 77 and 86 together.

As I have said before, I see great potential for a new system of standardised testing to provide valuable information which will help everyone involved in education — parents, teachers and policymakers — to play their part in enabling each child to reach his or her full potential.

The results of standardised tests will help parents to understand where their child is at compared to the national norm. They will assist teachers in planning their students' learning and enable them to establish which children need extra help and they will inform policy-making at national level by providing invaluable information about attainment levels in our schools. This is especially crucial in relation to evaluating the outcomes of additional investment in disadvantaged schools. It is vital that we can identify the interventions that make a difference for students.

The NCCA advice, which was prepared at my Department's request, recommends that all pupils in primary schools should be tested in literacy and numeracy at the end of first or the beginning of second class and again at the end of fourth or the beginning of fifth class. It recommends that this requirement should be introduced as soon as is feasible, while taking account of the need for professional development for teachers and principals, arranging the necessary administrative structures and the provision of funding for the purchase of tests.

The NCCA's report also proposes that it should develop and pilot a common template for recording assessment information and reporting such information to parents during the coming academic year. The national report card template would facilitate common procedures for recording and reporting on the overall progress of individual students, including their standardised test results, as they advance through the system and particularly at the point of transfer to post-primary school. It should provide data on a pupil's attainment that is easily understood by both parents and teachers alike.

With a view to introducing a national system of standardised testing as soon as is feasible, I will be asking the NCCA to commence work shortly on developing a national report card template and to proceed with the development of its guidelines for teachers on assessment policy and practice, as part of the necessary groundwork that must be in place before specific requirements and implementation dates can be set for schools.