Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposed junior certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1542/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Extensive quality assurance measures are being built into the new Junior Cycle. These include subject specifications with clear learning outcomes; a comprehensive professional development programme for teachers, principals and deputy principals in educational assessment, including processes of moderation; and the introduction of standardised tests for all schools and students in English reading, Mathematics and Science and in Irish reading for Irish-medium schools; the development of an assessment and moderation toolkit.

In the new scenario, assessment for learning will have a key role and will enhance learning throughout the 3 years of Junior Cycle. It will be complemented by the 2 components of assessment of learning, which will happen towards the end of the Junior Cycle, and be reflected in the School Certificate of Learning. Subjects with their new modes of assessment are being introduced on a phased basis so that capacity in the system can be built up incrementally.

Additional quality assurance measures in relation to assessment of learning at end of junior cycle include the following:- The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will provide final assessment papers and marking schemes for subjects until the new school-based system of assessment is fully established

- For English, Irish and Mathematics, the SEC will initially mark these papers. This arrangement will continue until standardised testing becomes established in junior cycle

- The results awarded on every School Certificate of Learning will be sent to the Department. The Department will monitor the national and school patterns along with the results in the standardised testing of reading, Mathematics and Science. This monitoring will provide further quality assurance and identify any local or national anomalies. A report on overall trends will be published regularly. In the event of an unusual pattern of achievement, the Inspectorate of the Department will be advised, and support and evaluation measures will be provided for the school.

In addition, national monitoring of standards will be complemented by continued participation in national and international assessments.