1. The Role of the National Advisory Committee
Presentation to the Annual Conference of the ALOA

2. Terms of reference
Inform and oversee the implementation of the FET Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
Develop protocols and mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the FET Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
Facilitate the development of implementation strategies to meet specific outcomes identified in the FET Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
To provide regular reports to SIAC (Via SOLAS) regarding the implementation of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.

3. membership Two representatives nominated by CEEOA.
Two representatives from the Adult Education Officers Association.
Two representatives from the Adult Literacy Organisers Association
The National Coordinator for Adult Literacy and Community Education.
One representative from the National Adult Literacy Agency – NALA.
One person nominated by SOLAS and other SOLAS personnel, as required to support the work of the Committee.
One nominee of ETBI Steering Committee

4. Two policies The Further Education and Training Strategy 2014-2019
Department of Education and Skills
Adult Literacy Programme Operational Guidelines

5. Actions Time scale Dec. 2014 Dec. 2015 May 2016 Oct. 2016 Dec. 2016
Objectives of the literacy and numeracy strategy as outlined in the FET Strategy
Establish a National Advisory Committee
Awareness- raising campaign initiated and impact evaluated
A broader range of programmes and more participants achieving the appropriate awards
Broader access routes and range of provision, including distance and blended learning options
ESOL policy in place including an assessment of language competency on entry of ESOL learners to ETB provision
Dec. 2014
Dec. 2015
May 2016
Oct. 2016
Dec. 2016
Actions
Time scale

6. Con’t June 2017 Dec. 2016 March 2019 Actions Timeframe
More reliable screening and assessment systems in place
Implementation of the objectives of the literacy and numeracy strategy as outlined in the FET Strategy
Increased literacy and numeracy levels reported among Irish Adults in independent international studies
June 2017
Dec. 2016
March 2019
Actions
Timeframe

7. Strategic Plan
Use the guidelines here to create progression pathways from non –certified courses through the levels 2-4.
Challenge: Not all learners will meet the guidelines of each of the funds
Targeted provision
Each ETB have a strategic plan.. How the literacy programme will operate on an integrated basis with BTEI and Community Education.
The plan should include clear progression options between programmes
Department Guidelines
Challenge

8. Certification
Certification full awards or partial awards at level 3 as progression?
Measuring learner progression in non certified programmes- how?

9. Assessment
All ETB Adult Literacy programmes should ensure that all learners have access to both formative and summative assessment
(27 p8)
We do not have a shared assessment system
No consistency across the sector
No objective measurement at entry point
Department Guidelines
Challenge

10. Intensive provision
(38.p10) ETBs should ensure that intensive programmes be prioritised even if this results in a smaller number of learners Minimum of 6 hours per week
Educationally valid, embeds the learning; increases outcomes for the learners;
Concern about the reduction in numbers
Challenge for tutors
Support on content and CDP
Guidelines
Challenge

11. ESOL Targeted provision
Functional competency only (A2 on Common European Framework)
ESOL Policy (scoping paper NALA)
SOLAS separated budget and FARRS reporting allowing ETBs separate out provision from Literacy
Guidelines and Policy
Challenge

12. Conclusions
An opportunity ? We can build on our best practice and expand the evidence base to inform practice We can set the standards together We can achieve consistency in approach And in doing so, We can act in the best interests of the most vulnerable learners