Encouraging signs for Minister's reform agenda [IrishTimes]
- Published: 26 April 2011
ANALYSIS: Ruairí Quinn appears determined to push through a radical programme of reform for education
SENIOR OFFICIALS in the Department of Education are still coming to terms with the work rate and ambition of their new Minister.
Whereas most of his predecessors spent three days a week in the department (nurturing the constituency on Mondays and Fridays) Quinn is virtually ever-present in Marlborough Street.
Unencumbered by routine constituency work, Quinn arrives before 8am each morning. He has a full day to focus on the task in hand – reforming and reinvigorating the Irish education system.
In some respects, his timing could scarcely be better. The recent OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) survey – which showed Ireland tumbling down the world rankings in literacy and numeracy – has changed the entire education landscape. It has shattered the complacency and self-regard that has clung to the Irish education system – and provided an opening to achieve transformative change.
Quinn has described the OECD-Pisa study as a “wake-up call for Irish education”. We have been “codding” ourselves in believing we have one of the best education systems in the world, he says. His message: the old ways are no longer good enough, Irish education must change and adapt.
During a frenetic first six weeks in office, Quinn has stirred controversy and promised fundamental change almost on a daily basis. At times, some senior officials have urged a more measured approach – but he has paid no heed.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
