• Paper 1: The evolution of university access programmes in Ireland - Patricia O' Reilly
  

The aim of this paper is to explore the historical development of third level access programmes in Ireland, that is, programmes aimed at improving access to third level education by the socio-economically disadvantaged. One key objective is to locate the UCD higher education access programme – New ERA – within the context of developments in national policy and access initiatives in Ireland. The paper also presents a brief overview of previous evaluations of targeted initiatives in Ireland as well as barriers to Higher Education as outlined by Lynch & O Riordan’s 1996 study which provided the framework for the development of New ERA.

• Paper 2: A selective review of studies of quantitative evaluations in education -  K. Denny, O. Doyle, M. Hyland, P. O'Reilly, V. O'Sullivan

There are many interventions in educational systems around the world designed to help disadvantaged or underperforming groups. Quantitative analyses of the effectiveness of these interventions are not as common. Nonetheless there is now a substantial research literature measuring the impact of programs aimed at increasing progression to - or retention at - higher education as well as other outcomes such as exam performance. This paper is a review of selected studies from that literature. We distinguish between merit-based and needs-based financial aid as well as other forms of support. It is shown that careful use of statistical and econometric methods reveal that some but not all interventions can have significant benefits for the target groups.

• A Profile of HEAR Schools 2008

The aim of the school survey is to build a profile of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) schools and to document changes in Leaving Certificate outcomes and progression rates over time, in addition to capturing the schools' involvement with third level access programmes. Principals and career guidance teachers were asked to describe the factors that encourage or hinder access to third level for their students. The report examines the importance of both student and school factors in progression to higher education.

• School Survey Seminar Workshops

On the 12th of March 2009 a seminar was held to present the results of ‘A Profile of HEAR Schools 2008'. As part of this conference, workshops were held with the attending teachers and access personnel to discuss several questions relating to the work of access programmes and the final HEAR school profile. Open discussion and participation was encouraged, and a loose topic guide with core questions was developed.

This document is an informal record of the focus group discussions based on contemporary notes.

• Evaluating the Impact of the UCD New ERA Widening Participation Initiative - An Overview
  

This presentation gives a brief overview of the study: its aims, motivations and methodology.