Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 425: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to improve the standard of language education and competency for migrant pupils in the primary and post-primary sectors respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19660/08]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

To meet the needs of migrant pupils for whom English is a second language English Language Support Teachers have been appointed to primary and post-primary schools. There are now just under 2,000 language support teachers in the schools at a cost of €120 million per annum. Schools with less than the 14 such pupils needed to qualify for one support teacher are provided with financial resources to assist them.

The National Council on Curriculum and Assessment has developed Intercultural Guidelines, one for primary schools and one for post-primary schools, to support teachers and schools in developing a more inclusive learning environment and in providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to participate in an diverse society. There are also resources available specifically for English Language Support Teachers and other resources for the whole school team.

A number of research projects are also underway: The Inspectorate is conducting an evaluation of the provision of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a number of primary and post-primary schools in 2008 and 2009. A report will be prepared for mid 2009.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is undertaking a large-scale study into how an increasing diversity of students impacts upon resource requirements and day to day teaching and learning in primary and post-primary schools. It is expected that this review will be completed in autumn 2008.

The Department of Education and Science has agreed to become involved in the OECD thematic review of migrant education policy and practice at pre-school, primary and post-primary, which will be carried out by a team of OECD experts. It is expected that the OECD report will be completed by autumn 2009.

The findings of this research work will evaluate current provision and will inform me on ways, where such are indicated, to improve the standard of English language education for migrant pupils in primary and post-primary schools.