In a ruling with major implications for the education system, the High Court last week effectively continued the ban on school league tables. The court ruled that the Information Commissioner, Mr Kevin Murphy, erred in law by opening the way for three newspapers to gain access to the 1998 Leaving Certificate exam results under the Freedom of Information Act. The Department of Education appealed against that decision, arguing that the publication of UK-style league tables would damage the education system. Its appeal was strongly supported by the teachers' unions. The ban enjoys the support of virtually the entire education establishment. Last year, even the National Parents Council Post Primary (NPCPP), which represents secondary school parents, endorsed it.
The publication of crude exam data, which takes no account of a school's hinterland or enrolment policy, could stigmatise some schools and exaggerate the merits of others. It could make it even more difficult for poorly-performing schools to attract students. But there could also be benefits if the results were put in some kind of proper context. The publication of exam data in this way could allow parents make an informed decision in selecting a secondary school for their children instead of relying on hearsay, gossip or anecdotal evidence. It would tell the local community how its school is performing. It could highlight the practical literacy and other problems in some schools.
As it is, this State has one of the least accountable education systems in the OECD. The pivotal role which parents play in the education of their children may be recognised in the Constitution, but they continue to punch below their weight in Irish education.
The new inspection system known as Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was meant to make Irish education more accountable. But three years on, WSE - a very timid form of inspection - is still on the drawing board. Last week, Mr Murphy instructed the Department to release material on WSE after it had denied this newspaper access under the Freedom of Information Act.
There is also a deafening silence from the Opposition benches on this question. It would be good to hear Minister Woods speak out on these issues. In his final months in office, is he ready to push for a more open and accountable education system?