E-Scéal 86: DES Disadvantage Survey
- Published: 20 May 2005
IPPN has a number of serious concerns about this survey:
- This survey is yet another example of principals' workload being increased. Ironically, two different sections of the DES are currently in discussion with IPPN on how principals' workload and school administration can be reduced!
- IPPN has consistently highlighted the need for a more scientific approach to collecting data and profiling levels of disadvantage in schools. There are numerous examples of such practice around the world including North of Ireland and New Zealand. If such an approach were implemented the information would be gathered from primary and secondary sources i.e. directly from families and from the Departments of Health (Medical Cards) and Family & Social Affairs (Social Welfare).
- Instead, this survey requires you as principal to form opinions and make subjective judgements about socio, economic and educational conditions of the pupils in your school as well as those pupils' families. This is an unreasonable responsibility to place on principals and teachers in schools.
- IPPN was asked to participate in an advisory group which would 'advise' the design of the questionnaire. On foot of arguments made the questionnaire was reduced from 28 to 14 questions. Because the DES is still without the facility of a National pupil database it appears this exercise cannot be carried out in a manner which will profile levels of disadvantage on a pupil/family basis - instead it will be used to paint an overall picture of disadvantage levels within your school.
- As principal, I am sure you will agree that nothing should come in the way of enabling additional resources for your school. It is however, most unprofessional that you are expected to engage in a data collection process which is not just unscientific and open to misinterpretation but also placing an unacceptable responsibility and additional workload on principals Your sense of professional duty will of course leave you with no other option but to involve your teaching colleagues in the completion of the survey.
- IPPN is very concerned about the wording of question 6 which appears to require factual information, given that the thrust of other questions indicate the 'opinion' of the principal. To address this point, IPPN suggests that you insert a disclaimer at the end of the survey whereupon you are requested to sign your name. A suggested disclaimer to be inserted, in handwriting if you wish, is:
The information provided in this survey by the teachers and principal of this school is based on our collective knowledge and experience of the children in our care. The data provided has not been collected from verifiable sources, therefore we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.The information profiling the children's levels of disadvantage is therefore based on our collective opinion rather than a statement of fact. To be signed by Principal and Chairperson. - In order to support you and assist with the completion of the survey, the IPPN Executive will prepare a template which you can circulate to your class teachers to assist with the collection of teacher's information on children. This will be circulated by E-scéal early next week. We are also asking the Education Research Centre for a deferral of the return date given the task in hand and the poor timing of its arrival in schools at the busiest time of the year.
- Given the points raised by IPPN to the DES, outlined in summary above, this must be the last time you as principal will be asked to complete such a repetitive exercise.
Meanwhile please refer to the article on page 3 of Leadership+.
Is mise le meas,
Seán Cottrell, Director
Irish Primary Principals' Network.
