Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills following the results of the new trial maths curriculum, examined for the first time in 2010, if any changes are proposed to the new syllabus in view of the level of concern that has been raised by a number of teachers particularly in regard to the benefit of the changes for students proceeding to third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8954/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A major programme of reform in Mathematics is under way in all second level schools since September last, building on the experience of 24 schools which began the programme in 2008. Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics, to reinforce its practical relevance to everyday life, and to ensure better curriculum continuity across the system. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in Maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level. The programme is supported by a comprehensive investment in professional development for teachers which will run to at least 2013.

Project Maths is being implemented on a phased basis over a three period across 5 strands of mathematics as follows:- Phase 1: Strand 1 - Statistics and Probability + Strand 2 - Geometry and Trigonometry Phase 2: Strand 1+2+ Strand 3 - Number + Strand 4 - Algebra Phase 3: Strand 1+2+3+4+ Strand 5 - Functions Strands 1 and 2 began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012 at Leaving Certificate and 2013 at Junior Certificate. Strands 3 and 4 will begin in 2011, and strand 5 will start in 2012.

As each phase is implemented in the 24 Project schools, the syllabus for that strand is being finalised by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the light of their experiences, before being issued to the mainstream schools. As a result of the process of monitoring the experience in the 24 Project schools, some syllabus adjustments were made in Strands 1 and 2 on foot of feedback raising concerns as to the need for more time to promote active learning approaches particularly for those students following Project Maths in the Leaving Certificate who would not have experienced the new approaches at junior cycle first. A decision was made that elements of inferential statistics would be deferred and elements of synthetic geometry would be optional in the Leaving Certificate syllabus for a temporary period (up to 2014 in all mainstream schools) until students had first followed Project Maths methodologies and approaches at junior cycle. These adjustments were made before the syllabuses issued to all schools in August 2010. The syllabuses for Strands 1-4 will issue in August 2011 and Strand 1-5 in August 2012. This will be the final syllabus.

A national programme of professional development for all teachers began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013. Some €5m was spent on this area in this area in 2010 and an estimated €3m in 2009. This investment will be continued in 2011 and funds have also been provided for the development of a post graduate programme for teachers who need additional support.

Project Maths has been widely welcomed by the partners in education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the National Competitiveness Council, Engineers Ireland, the Task Force on Innovation, and by higher education and industry interests. Improving understanding of and attainment in mathematics is a critical part of the strategy to promote Ireland as a smart economy.