Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
102. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on his recent proposals to reform the Junior Certificate exam and the timetable for their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43813/12]
View answerI published A Framework for Junior Cycle on 4 October 2012. This document contains details of my plans to reform the junior cycle in post-primary schools. A Framework for Junior Cycle builds upon proposals developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and published in November 2011 under the title, Towards a Framework for Junior Cycle - Innovation and Identity. My Framework adopts many of the curricular changes proposed by the NCCA but it also contains more radical changes in relation to how students' progress and learning are assessed at junior cycle.
A clear timetable for implementation which will be carried out on a phased basis up to 2020, is set out in the document. Implementation will begin in schools for those students entering first year in 2014, with English and some short courses. An extensive programme of continuing professional development will be made available to teachers to support implementation. This will begin in 2013. I have arranged that a copy of my Framework document will be given to all members of the Oireachtas so that you are fully aware of its details and timetable.
