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Education Minister Norma Foley has said the hybrid plan for the certificate of completion is fair and a decision must be made despite teachers’ concerns about the calculated grades.
Ms. Foley added that clarity and choice were what was being sought around this year’s exit certificate, and that is exactly what was presented yesterday.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Philip Boucher-Hayes, she said that it gives students the option of taking an exam or opting for a calculated grade.
Minister Foley said a decision was made that puts students front and center and provides “certainty, clarity and choice.”
He said today he will continue to address any concerns that teachers unions may have and “iron out” any difficulties that persist.
“This is the plan and what we have offered to the students,” he said.
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Ms. Foley said that she and the government felt after the consultation process, that with five months of in-person learning lost, it was okay to give students the opportunity to receive a calculated grade and also to take an exam.
She said both teachers unions have welcomed many aspects of the plan, but it is not possible to give 100% to every voice around the table.
She said she expects the maximum number of students to sit for the exam, but they both have equal value and students will receive a set of their best overall results.
The minister said that their work when they return to school will contribute to their calculated grade and will encourage them to participate in the school for months to come.
He said legislation is being prepared to prevent teacher scrutiny, with penalties, including disqualification of students from exams, which is now under consideration.
He stressed that teachers will be compensated as part of the grading process and every effort will be made to avoid teacher scrutiny.
The minister said she is confident that there is data for teachers to assess students for calculated grades and once the schools reopen, there will be enough time for teachers to collect additional data, when needed.
Regarding the reopening of the schools, Minister Foley said a return to school “in stages and revised” is being considered starting March 1, with the completion certificate and the basic elementary school students returning. first.
He said that guided by public health advice, the government will announce plans on Tuesday regarding the return of schools.
He said that every two weeks after March 1 there will be another student return, which means that it will be several weeks before all classes resume.
Minister Foley has said that she is fully confident that any outstanding issues regarding Leaving Cert can be resolved.
He said both teacher unions have welcomed many aspects of the plan and that the views of parent and student representatives and management bodies should also be taken into account.
He said that it was very important that the negotiation process was carried out and that the wisdom and experience of everyone around the table were taken into account.
However, he said the final decision that is made “puts those of us who serve in education front and center and those are the students.”
Minister Foley said that grade inflation of between three and four percent was handled well last year and did not put students at a disadvantage from getting third-tier spots.
He said that 80% of CAO applicants last year were offered one of their top three options and 50% the top option, which was in line with previous years.
He said he has full confidence that the Minister of Continuing and Higher Education, Simon Harris, will do everything possible this year to ensure that scenario is achieved again this year.
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