State Examinations Commission accepts Ombudsman for Children’s recommendations in scheme for students with learning difficulties

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office, has welcomed the changes made by the State Examinations Commission to the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) Scheme. Changes to this scheme reflect directly the recommendations made by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in a report published in June.

Commenting on the changes made to the RACE scheme, Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children said:

“If implemented fully, the new RACE Scheme should result in a much better experience for young people with learning difficulties who are sitting exams, and therefore a drop in the number of complaints received by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.

“In our report, published in June, we highlighted issues such as communication, fairness and oversight of the RACE scheme, which were common across all of the complaints. I feel all of these issues have been addressed.

“We called on the State Examinations Commission to review the criteria to accept applications from students who have generalised learning difficulties and not only specific learning difficulties, as was the case. I am very pleased to see that this change has taken place and that a needs-based approach will now guide allocations.

“From this year on, accommodations that were provided at Junior Certificate will be reactivated at Leaving Certificate. I am delighted that this inconsistency, which we highlighted, and which caused major stress for both students and parents, has been responded to.”

Discussing the issue of timeliness, Nuala Ward, Director of Complaints and Investigations at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, said:

“Late notification of decisions was a theme that ran through many of the complaints we received in relation to the RACE scheme. It was not fair that students were only finding out in the final year, or sometimes in the final weeks, of school if they would be receiving accommodations for exams. The new criteria puts in place a specific decision timeframe, as well as deadlines for applications.

“Students, teachers and parents should note that the closing date for schools to apply for Leaving Certificate accommodations is 9^th December and a decision will be given before the end of February 2017. For Junior Certificate the closing date is 13^th January and decisions will be given before the end of April 2017. Late applications will be accepted until 7^th April 2017 and a decision will be given in May 2017.

“Central quality assurance checks for applications, as well as an independent appeals process, should also provide the appropriate level of oversight recommended in our report.

“Communications of decisions and particularly, reasons for refusal, were consistent problems raised by those who contacted us. However, the new criteria and the way in which they have been communicated, would suggest that a significant effort is being made to ensure that all information is accessible. This is very much to be welcomed.”

Commenting on the future of the RACE Scheme, Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children said:

“In 2014 and 2015, we received 132 complaints about the State Examinations Commission’s administration of the RACE scheme, and up to June 2016, an additional 55 complaints were made. I am hopeful that these numbers will drop significantly as a result of the new criteria.

“It is vital now that the State Examinations Commission ensures that all schools are adequately supported and trained to successfully transition to the new scheme, and that a review mechanism is in place to identify and address any initial problems.

“The new RACE Scheme is good news for students and for their families. The successful implementation of this scheme will support all young people through our education system and help them fulfill their potential.”

ENDS

Contact:

Aoife Carragher
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
087 148 4173/ 01 865 6800

Notes to Editor

• The accommodations awarded by the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) scheme of the State Examination Commission are intended to help students with additional needs to demonstrate their ability in state exams without giving them an unfair advantage over other exam candidates.
• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.

• 26 October 2016
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Education