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Following the publication of the Guidance for Schools on the Calculated Grades model for Leaving Certificate 2020, the Department of Education and Skills has engaged with both the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) regarding clarifications sought by their members.
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Minister McHugh welcomes the fact that clarifications provided by the Department have addressed the queries regarding the legal indemnity for teachers which were raised by the ASTI.
The ASTI has confirmed to the Department today, (Friday 22 May 2020) that it is to advise its members to collaborate fully in the work underway in schools to provide estimated marks for students.
Clarifications have also been provided to the TUI, whose members are already engaged in this work in schools, and further ongoing engagement will be maintained with both ASTI and TUI.
Minister McHugh is confident that all issues will be resolved.
“My concern in establishing the model for Calculated Grades has always been the needs of the Leaving Certificate students who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We have always sought to put their interests at the heart of this.
“I am delighted to be able to reassure them that the process will move ahead speedily,” said Minister McHugh.
The Department today hosted the eighth meeting of the advisory group of stakeholders as part of continued planning in relation to the State Examinations during the Covid-19 response.
The group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
The Higher Education Authority attends meetings in an observer capacity, to assist feeding back to consultations it is involved with across the third level sector.
The advisory group was provided with an update on the implementation of the calculated grades system, which will be operated by a newly established Calculated Grades Executive Office within the Department. The group was advised of the issue to schools yesterday of detailed guidance on how teachers and schools will engage in the process.
Today’s meeting also considered further guidance and resources being developed to support the implementation of Calculated Grades. These include an instructional video for teachers and information leaflets for schools and for parents/guardians.
An update was also provided regarding the online portal for Leaving Certificate students which will be open from next Tuesday 26 May. Students in the first instance will be requested to use the portal to confirm the level at which they indicated they would be taking the examinations in each subject.
The group agreed to meet again to continue its discussions.
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