For Colm McGlade’s information, the Micra T and Sigma T tests (for reading and maths ability respectively) are nationally recognised tests whose main purpose is to provide teachers with accurate information on the reading level and mathematical achievement of pupils and to compare with the national average.
The principal should know that these tests have been carefully designed to ensure that their difficulty levels are suitable for children of all abilities – from the least able to the most.
He knows very well that the information derived from these tests can significantly assist teachers in monitoring pupil progress and in identifying any with learning difficulties.
Mr McGlade must also be aware that the information gained from these tests was intended to be reported to parents. In good schools, Micra T and Sigma T tests are used as a means of working in partnership with parents, pupils and the school community to enhancing best practice, which unfortunately has never happened in the Muslim National School.
From discussions with most parents, it is evident that the majority were never informed about their children’s test results. One family who insisted upon seeing the results were suddenly informed by letter that their child required learning support. This information was only divulged after their insistence that they see the test results. Interestingly enough, I hasten to add that this child is a native English speaker with a native Irish mother.
Meanwhile, parents of children in first class were initially told that the class had not taken the tests. Upon insistence, they were presented with results, but in a format that reflected neither the individual children’s strengths nor weaknesses.
Mr McGlade seems to be either grasping at straws or deliberately confusing the issue. His labelling of the parents’ campaign with “politics in the Mosque” or blaming the weekend schools is deplorable. The issue has absolutely nothing to do with personalities involving the patron or the chairperson, as alleged by the principal.
The school is run on a day-to-day basis by the principal, who is also in charge of delivering the curriculum. The startling number of parents who have taken their children out of the school have already spoken by their actions.
Since Mr McGlade has refused to divulge the test results, the parents believe that about 90 per cent of the pupils have failed these tests – and from the 10 per cent who did succeed, only three pupils achieved above the 90-per-cent mark.
Kamel Ghanem
Dublin
