Sir, – Sean Keavney asks whether the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa tests) should help determine what educational reforms our Government believes are necessary (Letters, June 4th). This is of particular relevance now because the primary curriculum is undergoing a once in a generation transformation. A public consultation is under way seeking parental and teacher input and will close tomorrow (June 7th). Unfortunately most parents don’t know the consultation is happening and “toolkits” that will support the delivery of the new curriculum are not available for every subject. Parents cannot participate in a consultation process they know nothing about or consent to the use of curriculum materials they cannot see.
The National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NCCA), a statutory body of the Department of Education, promoted the consultation online but does not appear to have shared information about the process directly with schools.
Surely it would have been logical to send this important information directly to those most affected by it? Such communications are not unheard of. On May 8th, Minister of Education Norma Foley sent a letter to every primary school with details about the free books for primary school scheme. This letter was forwarded to parents. Why was a similar letter regarding the primary curriculum consultation process not sent? Such a communication could not reasonably be construed as any type of interference in the process. It would simply be an attempt to ensure parents know their input is sought and valued. Our Constitution recognises parents’ role as the primary educators of their children; they are not merely stakeholders in the process. In light of these considerable failings, the consultation process must be paused until all relevant curriculum materials are made available and parents have been given adequate time to consider them and respond. – Yours, etc,
SANDRA ADAMS,
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Baldoyle,
Dublin 13.
