Reports indicate benefits of DEIS scheme

Three reports released today are highlighting the benefits of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme to primary schools in disadvantaged areas.

The research from the Inspectorate of the Department of Education, and the Educational Research Centre (ERC) indicates improvements in pupils' literacy and numeracy levels.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn this week announced a review of the budget decision to cut resources for schools in the DEIS scheme, after the move provoked fury amongst teachers and parents.

"The DEIS programme is having a positive effect on tackling educational disadvantage," a statement from the ERC said.

"It shows that improvement is taking place in the learning achievements of pupils in DEIS primary schools in urban areas."

The ERC research shows statistically significant improvements in both the mathematics and reading levels of pupils in 2nd, 3rd and 6th class.

The Inspectorate evaluations show that good or very good improvement in the literacy levels of pupils, as measured against the schools’ own targets, plans or expectations, was achieved in 11 of the 18 sample schools inspected.

Minister Quinn said it was "encouraging" to see significant gains in the reading and maths achievement of pupils under the scheme.

Introduced in 2005, the DEIS scheme has seen 670 primary and 195 post-primary schools in disadvantaged areas benefit from additional teaching and other resources.

Folling December's budget, increases to the pupil-teacher ratio in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 schools were set to arise due to the loss of the number of teachers in such schools.

However those decisions are now under review following outcry from teachers, parents and opposition politicians including Sinn Féin.