Parents seek education data

PARENTS want more information on their child’s subject choice and career options, a new report has found.

The Review of Guidance in Second Level Schools also highlighted an imbalance in the guidance provision in favour of senior cycle students, variations in schools’ approaches to guidance planning and the low levels of access for students to ICT for guidance purposes.

Launched yesterday by Education Minister Mary Hanafin, the publication will be distributed to schools across the country.

“This report provides a rich source of data, as well as a range of valuable insights,” said Ms Hanafin. “It will be of great interest to all who are concerned with improving the quality of guidance in our schools.”

The survey was carried out in 260 schools, with case studies conducted in 15 schools between autumn 2003 and spring 2005.

Group interviews with parents, students and other stakeholders were held and an audit was carried out on the use of the guidance resources in all second level schools.