Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the roll-out of the junior cycle reform process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18720/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Implementation of the new framework for Junior Cycle is proceeding. Members of the TUI are fully co-operating with the implementation. The teachers involved are benefiting from extensive continuing professional development and are availing of professional time to support the implementation. The ASTI continue to operate a directive of non-cooperation with the framework. The effect of this is that ASTI teachers are not participating in the continuing professional development that is available to all teachers of junior cycle and are not co-operating with the delivery of class-room based assessments. This is impacting on current first year and second year students of English who are taught by ASTI member teachers. The Department is continuing to work with the management bodies and other partners in addressing ongoing implementation matters. In fact, in March 2016 the Department issued a circular to school management on the "Arrangement for the Implementation of the Framework for Junior cycle with particular reference to school years 2015/ 2016 and 2016/ 2017." The Circular provides detailed data to supplement that which was provided in the Framework for Junior Cycle published in August 2015 and in addition it provides details on the extra resources and supports available to schools and teachers.

The position of ASTI in relation to continuing non-cooperation is unsustainable, unjustified and unfair on the teachers and students involved. I met with ASTI recently and had an exchange of views in relation to junior cycle. I am committed to the continuing implementation of the framework and have told ASTI that I am willing to engage with them to discuss their implementation concerns and to provide any further clarifications that they require. ASTI are aware that I would welcome further engagement on this matter and I hope that they will agree to this.