“Second-level school principals say the integrity of Leaving and Junior Certificate exams is at risk because of the growth of special arrangements for candidates with certain needs. They are particularly concerned about the growth in the number of special exam centres catering for individual students. The outgoing president of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), Aine O’Neill, said there were “genuine fears” about damage being done to the reputation of the exams. This year, about 15,500 exam candidates were granted a concession because of a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, or other special educational needs …” (more)
[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 20 October]