Why Junior Cycle reform is good news for students with special needs John Hammond NCCA

2

Main features of the Framework for Junior Cycle Greater autonomy and flexibility for schools Opportunity to review the school’s junior cycle programme Statements of Learning – now further developed Focus on skills Greater curriculum variety – local curriculum development 3

4

5

6

Features of the Framework for Junior Cycle The subject limit revisited – less concern about the ‘future’ of specific subjects New system of school-based assessment and reporting at the heart of junior cycle New qualifications 7

Quality Assurance NCCA curriculum and assessment specifications Expectations for learners and examples of student work Extensive professional development Assessment Toolkit and materials Provision for Internal moderation SEC exams in English, Gaeilge and mathematics DES monitoring of assessment results

Why Junior Cycle reform is good for students with special needs! 1.Because the Framework is for ALL 2.Because curriculum can be more customised 3.Because assessment is FOR learning 4.Because reporting is improved 5.Because Level 2 learning achievement is recognised

10

Quality assuring assessment NCCA develops specifications Expectation for learners and examples of student work Professional development on assessment Assessment Toolkit and materials Internal moderation SEC exams in English, Gaeilge and mathematics Assessment results monitored