Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the report of the expert group on future skills needs regarding the level of achievement in maths among students here; if he will implement the recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2006 survey of 15 years olds across 57 countries showed that Ireland's mean score in mathematics was not significantly different from the OECD average. We ranked 16th of 30 OECD countries and 22nd of 57 countries. There were fewer lower achievers and higher achievers than the OECD average, with the majority of pupils scoring in the mid range of achievement. When performance levels for mathematics in 2006 are compared with those in 2000 and 2003, there are no changes for Irish students. Ireland showed a high level of equity in achievement outcomes. This is evidenced by relatively small levels of "between school" variation and comparatively good standards among lower achievers.

The Report of the Expert Group calls for the introduction of bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. Decisions on the award of points and admission criteria for entry to higher education programmes are, under legislation, a matter for the higher education institutions. My Department asked the Higher Education Authority to initiate a discussion across higher education institutions regarding the desirability or otherwise of awarding bonus points. The overall view emerging was that the introduction of bonus points was unlikely to dramatically increase uptake of Higher Level Maths. The Report of the Points Commission in 1999 considered the issue of bonus points and recommended against such an approach. Providing bonus points could reinforce the perception that Maths is a difficult subject. It should be noted that when bonus points were removed in 1994 on foot of curricular reform, participation in Higher Level Maths increased.

My Department is addressing the issues highlighted in the Report through the Project Maths initiative, which began in 24 second level schools at both junior and senior cycle in 2008. Implementation is beginning in all schools in 2010. Starting in the Project schools allows the opportunity to trial the changes and to develop lesson plans and exemplars for teachers at the same time.

The Project Maths initiative is designed to encourage better understanding of Maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle. The curriculum changes are being phased in over three years focusing on different aspects of mathematics. Phase 3 will have begun in all schools in 2012, and will be fully implemented in all class groups by 2015.

Project Maths is being supported by intensive investment in professional development for teachers. Some €3m has been provided for the programme in 2009, and a rolling programme of investment will continue in this area to at least 2013. Nationwide professional development for all mathematics teachers has started this month, preparatory to beginning implementation in all schools from 2010.