DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools An

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) – An Action Plan for Educational Inclusion IPPN Conference 2006 – Workshop Presentation 3 rd February, 2006

Content of Presentation n n Broad overview of existing education inclusion measures for children and young people up to age 18 DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) – a new Action Plan for Educational Inclusion n n Overall scope and rationale Main elements of the Action Plan DEIS Identification Process Key actions involved Next steps

Overview of existing educational inclusion measures for children and young people up to age 18 n A wide range of targeted supports for schools n Additional supports for vulnerable groups n National Educational Welfare Board n Provision for young early school leavers n Targeted youth work measures n Curricular reform and professional development n Third-level access

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) - Overall Scope n Meeting the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities n Covering pre-school through second-level education i. e. 3 to 18 years n A key part of a wider continuum, including: n n Second-chance education and training and access measures for adults Provision for students with special needs

Why a New Action Plan? n Educational under-achievement and early school-leaving are still major concerns n Key concerns & gaps in provision: n n n Identification of disadvantage Early Childhood Education Literacy and Numeracy Measuring progress and outcomes Integration of services Professional Development n Early intervention is a key principle n No “quick fix” – a complex and multi-faceted issue requiring a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach

Main elements of the Action Plan n n Better identification of disadvantage in schools New integrated School Support Programme (SSP): n A single integrated programme of supports for schools with concentrated level of disadvantage which will bring together and build upon some ten existing schemes and initiatives n Indicative number of schools to be included: n n n Primary: 600 (300 urban/town and 300 rural) Second-Level: 150 Supports also to continue for more dispersed disadvantage Phased implementation over five years Additional annual investment of around € 40 m, including cost of 300 additional posts, on full implementation

DEIS Identification Process n n n A standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage Identification and analysis process being managed by Educational Research Centre Survey of Primary Schools n n n Second-Level Schools n n n n Response rate: about 97% Analysis work by ERC is nearing completion Analysis of data from Post-Primary Pupils Database and State Examinations System School Books Grant Scheme data Support of Advisory Group Quality assurance process Expect to be in a position to notify participating schools this month Implementation of Phase 1 measures to commence directly thereafter Outcome of identification process: review arrangements to be provided

Key Actions - 1 n Targeted Early Childhood Education Provision – 150 school communities n Targeted class size reductions in urban primary schools – 150 schools - class sizes of 20: 1 in junior classes and 24: 1 in senior classes n Access to teacher/co-ordinator support for all 300 rural primary schools in SSP n Additional financial supports for all schools in SSP - € 2. 5 m in 2005/2006, including € 1. 25 m for primary sector

Key Actions - 2 n Literacy and numeracy supports: n n n n ECE to emphasise development of cognitive and oral language skills Advisory service at primary level through PCSP Increased access to reading and maths initiatives More funding for measures in the junior cycle at second-level Targeted extension of library project at second-level - 40 more schools to benefit in phases A new family literacy project Home/School/Community Liaison and School Completion Programme services for 300 urban primary schools and 150 secondlevel schools over two years

Key Actions - 3 n Guidance counselling: additional provision in 2005/2006 for targeted second-level schools n Supporting recruitment/retention of school staff by: n n n Reducing thresholds for appointment of administrative principals – implementation for 300 urban primary schools over two years Enhancing professional development Implementing a new scheme of sabbatical leave from 2006/2007

Key Actions - 4 n Better planning, target-setting, and measurement of progress and outcomes - partnership agreement on tracking progress in a range of areas n Better integration of services and partnership working n Enhanced research and evaluation n Liaison with School Principals Networks: n n n Planning, target-setting etc. Professional development activities Opportunities for sharing resources Integrated services issues Sharing best practice

Next Steps n n n Complete identification process Notify outcome of identification process to schools, relevant agencies, education partners etc. Commence rollout of DEIS Phase 1 measures including: n 150 urban primary schools: n n n n Reduced class sizes: 20: 1 and 24: 1 Administrative principals on reduced thresholds Literacy and numeracy measures – RR, MR, primary advisory service arrangements, JCSP, Library project etc. HSCL and SCP extension: 150 primary and 100 second-level schools Additional guidance counselling supports Additional financial supports - € 2. 5 m School planning & target-setting: initial group of schools Planning work: Early Childhood Education, Professional Development, Sabbatical Leave scheme etc.