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Ruane proposals before executive | Ruane proposals before executive |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The education minister is to bring her proposals for the future of primary school transfer to the executive amid claims they are unworkable. | The education minister is to bring her proposals for the future of primary school transfer to the executive amid claims they are unworkable. |
CaitrÃona Ruane has warned of dire consequences if they are not agreed. | CaitrÃona Ruane has warned of dire consequences if they are not agreed. |
The minister's plans have been criticised by grammar schools who said their acceptance of them would be "like turkeys voting for Christmas". | The minister's plans have been criticised by grammar schools who said their acceptance of them would be "like turkeys voting for Christmas". |
Frank Bunting of teachers' union, INTO, said the plan was a sensible and pragmatic roadmap out of the impasse. | |
Last December, Ms Ruane announced the transfer test, commonly known as the 11-plus, would come to an end in 2008. | Last December, Ms Ruane announced the transfer test, commonly known as the 11-plus, would come to an end in 2008. |
Her plans include a temporary extension of academic selection for "a transitional period". | Her plans include a temporary extension of academic selection for "a transitional period". |
INTO is in favour of non-selective education, but gave the proposals a guarded welcome. | |
'New tests' | 'New tests' |
Mr Bunting said: "Teachers and parents favour incremental change. The proposed three years transitional arrangements offer the opportunity for a more unifying debate to take place on transfer to post-primary education. | |
"It is an opportunity which the educational community will largely appreciate and hopefully the opportunity will not be spoilt by political squabbling and point scoring." | |
It is understood the executive is keen to find a compromise. | It is understood the executive is keen to find a compromise. |
A proposal to extend testing at age 11 would need legislation passed and the minister has warned of an "unregulated future", where schools run their own entrance tests. | A proposal to extend testing at age 11 would need legislation passed and the minister has warned of an "unregulated future", where schools run their own entrance tests. |
Ms Ruane is to propose a form of testing to continue for three years, but there will be a limit on the number of pupils grammar schools can take on that basis. | Ms Ruane is to propose a form of testing to continue for three years, but there will be a limit on the number of pupils grammar schools can take on that basis. |
It is believed the minister could commission new tests which encompass broader educational areas than the current transfer test. | It is believed the minister could commission new tests which encompass broader educational areas than the current transfer test. |
These tests would be developed and marked by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, continuing for about three more years. | These tests would be developed and marked by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, continuing for about three more years. |
The meeting of the executive is expected to begin on Thursday afternoon. | The meeting of the executive is expected to begin on Thursday afternoon. |
It is understood there may be an attempt to set up a sub-committee to look into the issue. | It is understood there may be an attempt to set up a sub-committee to look into the issue. |