EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE

Conducts research-based evaluations of educational initiatives targeting socially disadvantaged students, including completed evaluations of Breaking the Cycle, Early Start, and the Home-School-Community Liaison Scheme, and an ongoing evaluation of the DEIS programme.

Leads Ireland's participation in major international studies including PISA, PIRLS, and TIMSS, conducting assessments every three to five years to provide benchmarking data and contextual insights for education policy. The organization manages all aspects of these studies in Ireland, including test implementation, data collection, and national adaptations such as specialized questionnaires.

Designs, develops, and implements the National Assessments of Mathematics and English Reading (NAMER) and other national assessments in English, Irish, and mathematics at primary level approximately every five years. These assessments include pupil testing and context questionnaires for multiple stakeholders.

Developed and maintains ERC DOTS, an online platform for the delivery and reporting of standardized tests to schools, enabling digital assessment and scoring services for post-primary students.

Develops, standardizes, and supplies a range of standardized tests and assessment supports for use in Irish primary and post-primary schools, including the Drumcondra Primary Reading and Mathematics Tests, Triail Ghaeilge Dhroim Conrach, and early literacy and numeracy assessments, available in both paper and online formats.

Produces and publishes evidence-based research reports using international and national assessment data to inform education policy, including recent reports on adolescent well-being, home learning environments, and the profile of post-primary mathematics teachers in Ireland.

Provides ongoing data analysis, modelling, and reporting support to the Department of Education for specific educational programmes and policy development.

Publishes and promotes research dissemination through the Irish Journal of Education, a peer-reviewed academic journal in the field of education, which it has supported and published since at least 2021.

Manages a panel of Small and Medium Enterprises across Ireland to provide technical support services for computer-based testing, including managing applications and allocating work.

Oversees the development of an evaluation framework for teachers’ professional learning in Ireland to support capacity building in the education sector.

Provides strategic direction for the Educational Research Centre, oversees Research Operations, Facilities, Health and Safety, Procurement, and the Test Department, and recommends approval of annual budgets and financial statements to the Board.

Supports organizational capacity through initiatives such as achieving the Investors in Diversity Bronze Award and appointing a Data Protection Manager to ensure compliance with data protection and sharing standards within Research Operations.