Written answers

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Department of Education and Science

Third Level Drop-out Rates

9:00 am

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the recently published Higher Education Authority report which indicates that college drop out rates are linked to maths competency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41313/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The HEA report on progression rates in higher education highlighted a number of factors that strongly influence the likelihood of a student's progression from first year into second year. The factor found to most influence likely progression from first year into second year is the prior educational attainment of the student, with good performance in Leaving Cert mathematics particularly increasing a student's chances of successfully progressing into second year of their higher education course. This finding again underlines the importance of improving the standard of mathematics at second level and a number of steps are being taken to advance this key objective educational policy objective.

The Project Maths initiative, which, 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, began in all schools in September 2010, building

on a pilot in 24 schools which started in 2008. It will be implemented on a

phased basis over the period to 2015, supported by comprehensive investment in

professional development for teachers, including the provision of post graduate

programmes Its work will also be supported by an industry-education

partnership, the Project Maths Implementation Support Group, which submitted

its report to me earlier this year. Some €5m is being invested in Project Maths

in 2010, building on €3m in 2009. This investment will continue on an ongoing

basis to at least 2013, with the post graduate programmes continuing thereafter

in line with demand.

The introduction of a scheme of bonus points from 2012 for university entrants

who take higher level Leaving Certificate Maths was also announced in October

2010. DIT and the Board of the Institutes of Technology Ireland have also

expressed support for the introduction of bonus points for maths which I hope

will also encourage the take up of higher level maths by students.

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