2010: The year that Irish education fell to earth [IrishTimes]
- Published: 14 December 2010
With Ireland’s OECD ranking in maths and literacy slipping dramatically and our universities falling in global rankings, 2010 was a traumatic year. Here we revisit some of the headline moments
1 WE BEGAN TO FEEL LESS CONFIDENT ABOUT OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM
The OECD/PISA study published last week was the most significant event of the year. On reading levels, Ireland has slipped from fifth place in 2000 to 17th place – the sharpest decline among 39 countries surveyed. Almost one-quarter of Irish 15-year-olds are below the level of literacy needed to participate effectively in society.
In maths, Ireland has fallen from 16th to 26th place, the second steepest decline among participating countries. Ireland is now ranked as below average in maths.
In science, we rank 18th – despite all the hype about the knowledge economy.
Cumulatively, the results represent a body blow to a system which has long traded on its “world class” reputation.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
