THERE are three strands to the proposed pilot project. The first focuses on formative assessment and training with the results of the assessment not being used for national certification. Stand two explores the possibilities for implementing the full range of modes and techniques used in the Junior Cert using the current external arrangement. The results of the this assessment would not initially be used for national certificate. Students' participation might be noted and new components might be certificated by the project itself.

The final strand would explore the possibility of introducing school-based assessment. Again, initially, the results would not be used for national certification and participation might be noted and certification given by the project itself.

Schools would be invited to participate and all teachers involved in the project would be involved in strand one. Those who wish may move directly to work on strands two and three.

The time-scale for the project is tight. Consultations were begun by the NCCA in February and will continue until May in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science. Negotiations and discussions with the partners in education will then take place. And, in October, the project will begin.

A steering committee, reporting to the Department and to the NCCA's junior cycle review committee, will be set up. The project will conclude in 2001 and, in December of that year, a decision on further development and national policy on assessment will be made.

There is likely to be some opposition to the introduction of the pilot. As one union source explained: once you agree to a pilot, you are de facto agreeing to the project as the resources and backup will be provided to ensure that the pilot is a success.