Explore new projects with and other agencies. HEA, SOLAS and other agencies Second report published in 2017. HEA to development of SOLAS learner database (PLSS) 2015-17. Data strategy on access published in 2016. 3.2 To review current and new data to see how this may be developed to identify geographic areas with high levels of disadvantage; and to analyse rates of participation in higher education from those areas. Develop model to analyse geographic patterns of access to higher education. Subject to the outcome of this work, review targets for participation. HEA/HEIs Model developed 2016. Review targets 2017. 3.3 To develop mechanisms to progression, retention rates and the student experience of under-represented target groups, including students being supported by the SAF and the FSD. Further develop systems to track progression, retention rates and the student experience of target student groups. HEA/HEIs Data developed and published 2015-17. 3.4 To review progression to employment and postgraduate studies by students from target access groups. Review current and potential data sources in order to develop a methodology to track outcomes for students from target groups. HEA Methodology developed 2015–16. 3.5 To monitor the participation and outcomes for entrants from DEIS schools. Continued analysis by DES and HEA. DES/HEA Reports published by DES. HEA review of participation from DEIS schools to serve as an additional indicator. 3.6 To consult with students and prospective students to inform the implementation and development of access policy. Structured engagement with student representatives, in particular those from groups targeted by access policies. HEIs/HEA Review of progress, 2017 3.7 To share knowledge and disseminate information on effective initiatives relating to access. Convene annual forums of access practitioners, researchers and community/voluntary groups working in higher education through the REAL network for HEA/HEIs Forums/seminars held, 2016-19
research on access and lifelong learning. Commission a research project to analyse existing HEI linkages and associated access-related activities with schools, and to identify and disseminate effective practices. HEA Research commissioned and completed 2016-17. 3.8 To review the qualitative indicators of progress on access already in place in HEIs, and to advise the HEA on developing a framework to support good practice. Qualitative indicators reviewed as part of the strategic dialogue process. A framework to support good practice will be developed based on this review and other evidence. HEIs/HEA HEA Review of indicators, 2016. Framework developed, 2017. 4.4 Goal 4: To build coherent pathways from further education and to foster other entry routes to higher education Access to higher education in Ireland is too concentrated at the point of school leaving, and this goal is concerned with broadening the opportunities for entry to higher education. This goal focuses particularly on opportunities for transition from further to higher education, and sets the target of having 10% of new entrants to higher education coming from the further education sector by 2019. This is in line with the further education progression target included in the National Further Education and Training Strategy 2014–2019 published by SOLAS. In addition to direct entry from further to higher education, the regional clusters will provide the context for much deeper collaboration between FEIs and HEIs. This should include partnership at regional cluster level in the development and delivery by FEIs of higher education access and foundation courses. Goal 4: Summary of objectives and actions Objective Action Lead Responsibility Key Performance Indicator(s) 4.1 To support a more coherent and systematic approach by institutions (working within regional clusters) providing different pathways and supporting the transition to higher education. As agreed in the 2014–16 compacts, each regional cluster to map and develop clear student pathways, including those between further and higher education as well as other alternative pathways. Regional Clusters HEIs/QQI/ SOLAS/ETBs. Initial mapping of all pathways supporting entry to undergraduate programmes in each cluster submitted by HEIs to HEA in 2015. Results of analysis to be published by HEA in 2016 as part of overall report on systems performance.
analysis of all available data at local level that enables greater understanding of the socio-economic groups in the communities, and accordingly should respond appropriately to their expressed needs. The establishment of the regional clusters and the local Community Development Committees (lCDCs) at city or county level provide an opportunity to launch and support such initiatives. Such committees typically have members who represent a wide spectrum of local community interests, including local authorities and other State agencies, local and community bodies, economic and social partners, and including HEIs. Initiatives or strategies that emerge from such engagements should have some or all of the following elements or characteristics.. A ‘whole-of-education’ approach to access. Communication of the value of higher education. Provision of clear information on education pathways. Reinforcement of HEIs’ engagement with communities and other stakeholders. The use of mentors/role models from within communities – to enable students to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education options. Involvement of parents and teachers as key advisers to students. A number of successful mentoring programmes have emerged around the country, and these will contribute to the development of a template for such programmes nationally. Goal 5: Summary of objectives and actions Objective Action Lead Responsibility Key Performance Indicator(s) 5.1 To develop strategies for increasing access to higher education in communities with low participation levels. pilot initiatives will be established in the context of the new regional clusters and the LCDCs with a view to increasing access and participation in higher education. HEIs/HEA/DES Call for proposals by HEA, 2016. Projects commence, 2016. Review pilot projects, 2018. Increased number of students from target 2019. 5.2 To strengthen the linkages between higher education institutions and local communities. Implementation by each HEI/regional cluster of engagement strategies. These should be included in compact objectives. HEIs Report on compacts 2015. 5.3 To develop mentoring programmes and initiatives for students in second by regional clusters in collaboration with second-level schools, enterprise and community groups. Regional clusters and local taskforces examine scope for increasing current provision. HEA to identify and disseminate best practice HEIs/regional clusters Programmes in 50% of DEIS schools (2017), 75% (2019). Note: this is an indicator, it does not imply that other schools should be excluded.