Towards the development of a new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education
Citation:
Aontas, 'Towards the development of a new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education', [other], 2014-09Download Item:
Abstract:
AONTAS welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the development of a new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education. AONTAS recognises the value of third level education in the context of lifelong learning. In this submission we are primarily focused on participation rates in relation to full and part time mature student entrants. We acknowledge the progress that has been made, particularly given the difficult economic circumstances over the past number of years which
have affected not only participation levels, but also the capacity of the HEIs to respond to a changing set of learner needs.
Our submission is developed based on a strong understanding of the challenges and barriers which adults tell us still persist in accessing third level education. These statistics are further strengthened by new data at national level through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, SOLAS as well as the ESRI who provided research to support the FET strategy. At international level, the publication of the PIAAC research co-ordinated by the OECD and conducted by the CSO in Ireland provides important data relating to the skills levels of adults in Ireland based on age, gender and socioeconomic
status. We include feedback on the goals presented within the consultation paper, and make recommendations for actions which might support the achievement of these goals. As a membership NGO AONTAS has strong connections across the post-secondary education sector and has access to a number of examples of best practice in different settings which facilitate high levels of access and retention in third level. These are referenced within the submission.
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Aontas
Author: Aontas
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Submission from AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation : Towards the development of a new National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher EducationCorporate name:
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