DES makes “difficult decision” [education.ie]
- Published: 21 May 2011
In a surprise revelation on May 20, schools were notified that 250 language support posts are to be removed from the system from September 2011.
This level of job losses next September is double the number envisaged by the previous government, which had planned a phased reduction of 500 language support teachers over four years – 125 per year.
The cutback will affect teaching support for immigrant children (many of whom have scant English), particularly at primary level where 80 per cent of the language posts exist.
At present there are about 1,400 language support posts - 1,125 at primary level and 275 at second level.
These posts are in addition to mainstream classroom teachers. They allow schools to withdraw pupils from mainstream classes for varying amounts of time, so that the support teacher can focus on teaching them English.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) described the cut as an “attack on disadvantaged and marginalised children’’.
Full Story: www.educationmatters.ie
