Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
School Curriculum
210. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers
that a study should be carried out on the students from the project maths schools now in third
level education on the way they are faring with the mathematical aspects of their courses and
the way they compare with students of the old syllabus. [7727/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): Project Maths began in all second
level schools in September 2010, building on the experiences of 24 Project Schools which started
the programme in 2008. This is being supported by a national programme of professional
development for teachers which began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013.
A Project Maths implementation support group, as an industry/education partnership,
reported in 2010 on how stakeholders from business, second level and higher education can
work together to achieve the objectives of Project Maths. The recommendations of this report
are being progressed.
Research has also been commissioned on the impact of Project Maths on student’s attitudes
and attainment. In the meantime, the results of the examinations in the 24 Project Maths
schools have been published in the leaving certificate in 2010 and 2011, and the junior certificate
in 2011. These show an improvement in the proportions scoring grades A,B or C, and fewer
students scoring at Grade E, F, N and G.
My Department has produced the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among
children and young people 2011-20, “Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life” which is
designed to promote a significant improvement in mathematical skills across primary and
second level schools. The strategy sets out a range of integrated actions in regard to helping
parents to support their children’s learning, professional development of teachers, expansion
of the duration of initial teacher education, and improving school leadership, assessment and
school management and review.
Teaching Qualifications
211. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he expects
the Teaching Council to complete the survey with maths teachers in view of the fact that it was
only 58% complete and did not include the exact qualifications of the maths teachers as the
standard of qualification deemed qualified can vary greatly. [7728/12]
Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn): The survey conducted by the
Teaching Council provided a good overview of the qualifications of math teachers. All postprimary
schools were requested to participate in the survey and there were 422 valid responses.
The results provide a clear picture of what is actually happening in schools and help the Department
to plan for meeting the training needs of teachers. The survey is now closed and there
are no plans for any further follow up.
The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock announced on 12 September 2011 proposals to introduce
a course for teachers of mathematics who may not have an approved qualification in the
subject. The competition to identify providers of the course is underway and it is anticipated
that courses will be in place this year.
Departmental Staff
212. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will
provide an organisational chart detailing officials and their responsibilities within his Department.
[7737/12]
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