Minister rules out delaying changes to Leaving Cert
From September, reforms to the Leaving Cert are due to be introduced on a phased basis. File picture. Mark Stedman
The minister for education has ruled out delaying incoming changes to the Leaving Certificate despite calls from teachers over concerns around fairness, artificial intelligence (AI), and exam integrity.
Helen McEntee was speaking at a Department of Education conference for principals and deputy principals about senior cycle redevelopment.
From September, reforms to the Leaving Cert are due to be introduced on a phased basis.
This includes the introduction of project work, called additional assessment components, to be worth 40% of a students overall grade in a subject.
However, teachers’ unions have called for the changes to be delayed, citing fears around ensuring fairness amongst students, resources, and advancements in AI technology.
The Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA), which represents science teachers nationwide, has also formerly distanced itself from the reforms.
On Wednesday, Ms McEntee said she is conscious a lot of work has been done on senior cycle reform in recent years.
“This conversation started back in 2018, and since then there’s been a lot of engagement with our schools and unions, and there’s still more to be done.
"I will be saying very clearly to them today I want to work with them, to support them, to have further consultation, to address their concerns, and that includes concerns around AI and technology.”
Clear guidelines on AI will be issued in the coming weeks, she said, adding that there is still time to go between now and when this is rolled out in September.
"I want to use that time as wisely as possible to address the concerns that teachers have, to support them but to make sure that really positive momentum that has built up that can continue and ultimately that students will benefit from this and see that changes as soon as possible.”
When asked if she is considering a pause, she said: "That is not my intention but my intention is very clearly to work with teachers to make sure any of their concerns can be addressed.”
Technology is changing everyday, she added.
"We have to be able to adapt and respond to it. It is already the case there are challenges around AI being used for projects.
"We know that if it is used for exams now, it is a form of cheating. That’s not going to change, state exams or otherwise."
"It's about providing that guidance, it's about setting out criteria to students, what the rules are and aren’t in this regard and making sure that teachers have the ability to be able to deal with this.
"It's not going away and I think its about equipping ourselves for the future and doing what we can to make sure that teachers are assured, but also that students are supported and that we harness what can be a very positive tool for us."
On Wednesday, the minister also announced details of the final phase of the post-primary schoolbooks scheme.
Free schools books will be provided to all students in post-primary schools from September.
This includes journals, copybooks, dictionaries, and calculators for all students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme.
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