Written answers

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the algorithm for the calculation of the 2020 leaving certificate results will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing the algorithm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3408/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On 3 October 2020 I announced that I had asked that a comprehensive independent review of the design and implementation of the Calculated Grades process should take place.

I want this review to consider key aspects of the Calculated Grades process, including the initial decision to adopt the model, whether the process met its objectives, how effective the process was, how the process worked in terms of design and implementation and how effective the governance and oversight procedures were.

It would not be appropriate for full details of the model, beyond what has already been published, to be released prior to the completion of this review. Releasing this information could prejudice and impact the outcome of the review.

Technical details of the Calculated Grades model and standardisation process were published on the date of issue of the results and are available on www.gov.ie. This included the publication of the Report from the National Standardisation Group to the Independent Steering Committee and the Programme Board. This report includes information on the steps taken on processing Calculated Grades and the technical details of the model.

Further steps remain ongoing with regard to the completion of the Calculated Grades process. These include issuing the results of the postponed written Leaving Certificate examinations and the operation of the subsequent appeals process from those examinations and the final stage of the Calculated Grades appeals process.

In addition, as there is ongoing litigation relating to Calculated Grades, it must be determined how this might impact on progressing with the review. My Department has requested legal advice on a number of aspects of the proposed review, including the possible impact on and of ongoing litigation.

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