1. PISA National Symposium Official opening and launch of main PISA 2006 national report
Gearóid Ó Conluain
Deputy Chief Inspector
Department of Education and Science

2. PISA National Symposium: Background and General Context
Third in a series of national PISA symposia
Purpose:
launch national report on PISA ’06 performance
discuss / debate results for Ireland
Most OECD countries have PISA dissemination events
Educational Research Centre will present analysis of ’06 outcomes

3. PISA National Symposium: What is PISA?
International survey of student achievement every 3 years
Age 15 marks the end of compulsory schooling
First conducted in 2000, next in 2009
Focus not in the curriculum context - real-life skills / knowledge

4. PISA National Symposium: Reminder of PISA 06 Survey Profile
Focus on scientific literacy assessment – main domain
Reading literacy – minor assessment domain
Mathematical literacy – minor assessment domain
Literacy: ability to apply knowledge
Assess preparedness for future education and adult life

5. PISA National Symposium: Broad summary of Ireland’s 06 performance
Science literacy: 14/30 or 20/57
Mathematical literacy: 16/30 or 22/57
Reading literacy: 5/30 or 6/56
Across domains, fewer Irish students at lower proficiency levels

6. PISA National Symposium: Strategic Importance of PISA
Skills measured are relevant to national competitiveness
Investment in human capital is a government priority
NPD
National Skills Strategy
Towards 2016
Broad based literacy skills are crucial for the future, especially science and technology skills

7. PISA National Symposium: Ready for Tomorrow’s World?
Educational Research Centre
Eemer Eivers (NPM for 2006)
Gerry Shiel
Rachel Cunningham
Nick Sofroniou
Jude Cosgrove (NPM 2000 & 2003)
Rachel Perkins (NPM for 2009)
David Millar

8. PISA National Symposium: Ready for Tomorrow’s World?
PISA 2006 National Advisory Committee
Doreen McMorris, DES (chair to 2007)
Eamonn Murtagh, DES (chair at present)
Elizabeth Oldham, Trinity College
Declan Kennedy, University College Cork
Tom Mullins, University College Cork
Alison Graham, Sandford Park School
Bill Lynch, NCCA
George Porter, DES, Brian Murphy, UCC, Sean Close, SPD, who commented on drafts of the report
Schools