What is DEIS?
DEIS was launched in May 2005 as the Department of Education and Skills policy instrument to address the educational needs of young people.
The DEIS Plan 2017 sets out the Department’s vision for education to more fully become a proven pathway to better opportunities and to give tailored support to schools. The Plan sets out goals to be achieved in terms of improved outcomes for students. The aim is to narrow the gaps, develop and deliver better pathways for all.
St. Mel’s College was granted DEIS status in May 2022.Under the process ofSchool Self Evaluation, DEIS schools engage in the process of DEIS Action Planning to bring about student improvement across 8 different themes:
- Attendance
- Retention
- Transitions
- Exam Attainment
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Partnership with Parents
- Partnership with Others
A DEIS Plan is a three-year School Improvement Plan which is monitored each year and evaluated at the end of the three years.
St. Mel’s College decided to include the theme of Wellbeing as part of our DEIS Plan 2025 - 2028.
DEIS Pillars
Attendance
Attendance is fundamental to students’ progress and attainment in school. Patterns of full-day absences, part-day absences, late arrival at school, and the rate of suspensions are considered here. Make every day count!
Retention
The theme of retention focuses on the importance of keeping children in school, identifying those at risk of early leaving, and taking action to reduce or eliminate factors that cause students to drop out.
Transitions
Transitions are very closely linked to attendance and retention. It puts a spotlight on the key moves from one stage of education to the next: from primary to post-primary; from junior cycle to senior cycle; and from post-primary to continuing education and the world of work.
Attainment
Examination attainment focuses on attainment in the certificate examinations, and also includes target-setting, strategies and monitoring of progress with regard to students’ outcomes in school-based assessments and examinations.
Literacy
Literacy includes the capacity to read, understand and critically appreciate various forms of communication including spoken language, printed text, broadcast media and digital media.
Numeracy
Numeracy encompasses the ability to use mathematical understanding and skills to solve problems and to meet the demands of day-to-day living in complex social settings. It means being able to:
- estimate, predict and calculate
- identify patterns, trends and relationships
- gather, interpret and represent data n express ideas mathematically
- engage in problem solving, using investigation and reasoning skills
- use digital technology to develop numeracy skills and understanding
Partnership with parents and others
The DEIS action plan supports schools to develop partnerships with parents and with the community. Schools are also expected to develop links with other schools and colleges, for example in transfer programmes from post-primary school to third level colleges.
What are the benefits of DEIS for St. Mel’s College
In St. Mel’s College, we enjoy the following benefits of being granted DEIS status:
- Priority access to School Meals Programme
- Access to Home School Community Liaison Service (HSCL)
- Enhanced Guidance Counsellor Allocation
- Access to supports under School Completion Programme (SCP)
- Additional grant aid
- Access to JCSP and LCA programme, with additional teacher allocation, small classes and funding
- Professional development and planning supports
- Transfer programmes
- Priority access to Centre for School Leadership
- Priority access to a range of professional development supports
Parents’/Guardians’ Information Note
The Department of Education published an information note for parents/guardians of students in DEIS schools. You can access the information by clicking here.
