Minister for Education and Skills announces vacancies on Board of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
A new board in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is being appointed. The process of filling vacancies for ministerial nominations to the NCCA’s Board is being managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) under the revised procedures put in place in late 2014 for the appointment of persons to positions on State boards. Applications may only be made through the dedicated website www.stateboards.ie. PAS will undertake an assessment process in relation to the expressions of interest received and will then provide the Minister with a list of candidates deemed suitable for appointment to the Board.
The closing date for the receipt of applications, via www.stateboards.ie, is 19th March 2015.
ENDS
Notes for Editor
In accordance with the Government's decision to advertise vacancies on State Boards, the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, invites expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the Board of the NCCA, operating under the Department's aegis.
The selection process may include a short interview dependent on level of interest.
A person being proposed for appointment as Chairperson of a State Body/Agency will be required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas committee to discuss the approach which he/she will take to the role, and their views about the future contribution of the Body/Agency or Board in question. Following that discussion, decisions will be taken by the Minister or the Government, as appropriate, to confirm the nominee as chairperson.
Three members are sought to serve as ministerial nominees on the Council, one of whom will be appointed as Chairperson.
Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings of the Board or to transact its business.
NCCA
The NCCA’s role is to advise the Minister in matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood care and education, primary and post-primary schools, and the assessment procedures employed in schools and in State examinations on subjects that are part of the curriculum.
The work of the NCCA in curriculum and assessment development involves:
- engaging in consultations with a wide range of stakeholders on curriculum and assessment issues
- working closely with networks of schools/early education providers in developing proposals
- undertaking research and participating in national and international educational networks, and keeping abreast of good practice
- advising on curriculum and assessment policy
- developing and reviewing specific curricula and preparing guidelines/support materials for teachers
- supporting and advising on the continuing professional development needs of teachers.
- being cognisant of the wider needs of the economy and society.
The NCCA has a staff of 33 and an annual budget of some €4.5m.