Sir, – Several points raised in your Editorial on the outcomes of the OECD’s 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa 2012) (December 10th) need clarification.
The Editorial states Ireland ranked 20th overall and 10th among European countries across the three domains assessed in Pisa 2012. This is incorrect. Ireland had an overall ranking of seventh on reading literacy (second in Europe) and 15th on science (seventh in Europe). The performance of students in Ireland on mathematics is presented as if it applied to all three domains assessed by Pisa.
The Editorial is also incorrect in stating there has been no improvement in performance since Pisa 2000. Performance on science is significantly and substantively higher in 2012 than previously. While performance on reading and mathematics has not increased significantly since 2000, the demographic profile among students in Ireland has changed and the economy has worsened. Hence, to maintain historic performance levels in spite of these changes seems like a good starting point as we move forward.
The Editorial states that a revised science syllabus was introduced in response to Ireland’s performance in Pisa 2009. In fact, the revised syllabus was introduced in 2003, and was examined for the first time in 2006. It is likely that this revised syllabus, coupled with a new science syllabus at primary level, contributed to the improvements in science performance observed in Pisa 2012.
Admittedly, performance on mathematics in Ireland, although now significantly above the OECD average, could be better. However, just 15 per cent of Irish 15-year-olds had studied the revised mathematics syllabus (Project Maths) at the time they sat the Pisa 2012 tests. If implemented as intended, Project Maths could impact positively on the performance of students in Ireland in future Pisa cycles.
The Editorial calls for reforms in the selection and education of teachers, without acknowledging the work that has been done in this area since 2009, including the deepening lengthening of teacher education for all teachers, and the provision of extensive induction courses for beginning teachers. It is important that future changes in Irish education, while much needed, are based on accurate information and informed comment. In this context, we refer readers to the Irish national report on Pisa 2012 at www.erc.ie. – Yours, etc,
GERRY SHIEL & RACHEL
PERKINS,
Educational Research
Centre, St Patrick’s College,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9.