Mission Transition Evaluation Report by Rory McGann & Karen Mahony June 2010 Acknowledgements The researchers would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following groups and individuals to the development of this report: · Research participants (schools, teachers, pupils, NLH staff and representatives of youngballymun) for giving so generously of their time and for providing their valuable insights throughout the evaluation process; · TED Steering Committee members for their comprehensive comments and feedback throughout the duration of the research; · Ms. Martina Gannon, representative of youngballymun, Ballymun, Dublin 11; · Mr. Joe O’Connell, Director, Limerick Education Centre; · Staff of Mary Immaculate College, particularly those in Curriculum Development Unit and Targeting Educational Disadvantage project; and · Particular mention to Ms. Eucharia McCarthy, Ms. Fiona O’Connor, Dr. Ann Higgins, Dr. Sandra Ryan and Professor Claire Lyons for their valuable guidance and support at various stages throughout the evaluation. ~ 2 ~ “I am extremely impressed by the Mission Transition programme. It has the components necessary to inform the pupils and ease this most important transition in the lives of sixth class pupils.” (PT11)1 1 Participating Primary Teacher’s Quote. ~ 3 ~ Table of Contents List of Tables & Figures.................................................................................................................................7 List of Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................9 Executive Summary......................................................................................................................................10 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................10 Research Methodology...............................................................................................................................11 Research Sample/School Profiles................................................................................................................12 Summary of Findings - Mission Transition .................................................................................................13 Recommendations......................................................................................................................................14 Chapter One - Introduction to the Research ...............................................................................................16 1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................16 1.2 Overview of the Northside Learning Hub.......................................................................................16 1.3 Introduction to Mission Transition .................................................................................................17 1.4 Background to the Mission Transition Evaluation...........................................................................17 1.5 Methodology .................................................................................................................................19 1.6 Evaluation Steering Committee......................................................................................................21 1.7 Research Sample/School Profiles ...................................................................................................21 1.8 Ethical Considerations ...................................................................................................................22 Information Leaflet ...................................................................................................................22 Informed Consent .....................................................................................................................22 Confidentiality..........................................................................................................................22 Anonymity................................................................................................................................22 Voluntary Participation .............................................................................................................23 Dissemination of Findings.........................................................................................................23 Doing No Harm ........................................................................................................................23 1.9 Report Structure ............................................................................................................................23 Chapter Two - Evaluation Context ..............................................................................................................25 2.1 The Northside of Limerick – A Geographic & Demographic Overview ..........................................25 2.2 Relevant Irish Educational Policy...................................................................................................29 2.3 Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) ...................................................................30 2.4 The Voice of the Child...................................................................................................................32 2.5 Historical Context of Transition .....................................................................................................33 2.6 Barriers to Successful Transition....................................................................................................34 Transition Anxieties..................................................................................................................34 Class Streaming/Entrance Exam................................................................................................35 Curricular Discontinuity............................................................................................................36 Transition Interventions ............................................................................................................36 2.7 Parents and Transition....................................................................................................................37 ~ 4 ~ Parental Cultural Capital ...........................................................................................................37 Parental Involvement ................................................................................................................38 Ethnicity and Gender ................................................................................................................41 2.8 Chapter Summary..........................................................................................................................41 Chapter 3 - Programme Model ....................................................................................................................43 3.1 Northside Learning Hub.................................................................................................................43 3.2 Mission Transition.........................................................................................................................45 Aims and objectives of Mission Transition ................................................................................46 Programme Delivery.................................................................................................................47 Programme Activities ...............................................................................................................48 Chapter 4 - Northside Learning Hub Perspectives......................................................................................50 4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................50 4.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................................50 4.3 The Development of Mission Transition.........................................................................................50 Aims and Objectives of Mission Transition ...............................................................................51 Early Stages of Development of the Programme........................................................................51 Recent Changes to the Programme ............................................................................................52 4.4 The Implementation of Mission Transition .....................................................................................53 The Delivery Model..................................................................................................................53 Programme Delivery Logistics ..................................................................................................53 The Programme Structure .........................................................................................................55 Successful Transition ................................................................................................................55 4.5 Programme Outcomes....................................................................................................................55