Parents cannot underestimate cyber dangers – McConalogue [fiannafail.ie]
- Published: 26 April 2011
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Charlie McConalogue TD has highlighted the need for parents to remain vigilant of their children’s internet use due to the rapid changes in online trends. Deputy McConalogue has said there is a need for increased awareness among adults of the new risks posed by constant advancement of internet technology.
“There can be no complacency when it comes to internet use among children. Online trends develop and change rapidly so it is hugely important that parents and teachers keep a constant eye on how their children engage online,” said Deputy McConalogue.
“While the internet opens up a world of exciting and positive opportunities for children, it can also expose them to dangers that may not always be obvious on the surface. Predators are constantly developing new methods of reaching their victims in ways that can appear harmless and non-threatening. Emerging technology also facilitates the growth of cyber bullying, providing bullies with new forums and methods to inflict pain on others.
“All of this poses huge concerns for parents, many of whom are daunted by the technology that their children are so familiar with. Because the internet is always evolving, it can be difficult for parents to know if their supervision is adequate. But there are some simple steps they can take to help their kids to stay safe online, available from the Office for Internet Safety which was set up by the previous government.
Full Story: www.fiannafail.ie
Tuesdays Top 5 at 5 [newstalk.ie]
- Published: 26 April 2011
The union representing primary school teachers, the INTO, have voted to direct its members not to work alongside unqualified teachers in schools from next September.
The directive comes following revelations that 400 people with no teaching qualifications worked for at least 50 days in primary schools in the current school year, while thousands of graduates struggle to find work. Today’s directive by the union fast tracks a 2008 decision not to work alongside unqualified people in schools from 2013.
The INTO is continuing its three day annual conference in Sligo today. The Education Minister Rurai Quinn says he wants to clampdown on the practice of schools hiring in people to teach, who have no teaching qualifications. He says he hopes to bring this to an end by next September.
Full Story: www.newstalk.ie
Teachers' union makes investment plea [Independent.ie]
- Published: 26 April 2011
Education is a human right which appears to have no place in the balance sheet of Ireland's financiers, a union said today.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) argued teachers and pupils are suffering because of the appalling misdeeds of those in authority.
General secretary Peter MacMenamin told delegates at its annual conference investment in education was necessary to have a well-educated workforce to beat the recession.
"The cause is not of our making but we suffer the effects," he said.
"We suffer the effects of reductions in our pay and pensions, curtailment of our ability to do the job that we want to do.
"In many cases, poverty in the classroom is not just poverty of the student but it is poverty also of some of our members, brought about by the appalling misdeeds of those in authority - both in banks and in Government."
The trade union - which represents 14,500 post-primary, higher and further education teachers and lecturers - wants a moratorium on posts of responsibility lifted, pensions for retired members protected and the rights of new members entering the profession protected.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Teachers in conference - A chance to inspire or divide [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 26 April 2011
EDUCATION Minister Ruairí Quinn addressed the national teachers’ union annual conference in Sligo last night and later this week he will speak to delegates at the ASTI and TUI conferences in Cork and Tralee.
He will reiterate his determination to reverse declines in numeracy and literacy levels revealed in the recent OECD Programme for International Student Assessment which dealt with educational achievement amongst 15-year-olds.
This survey infamously shattered long-held, and too often self-serving, beliefs that we had a world class education system. It recorded that one-in-four boys in that age bracket are illiterate. This is not only an indictment of our educational system but of our society as a whole.
Allowing any Irish citizen reach that point in their life without the basic skills needed to function in a modern society is almost a denial of their human rights and is utterly wrong and unacceptable. Not only is it nearly disastrous for the individual, it has negative consequences right across communities.
In reading skills, we fell 12 places to 17th amongst the 39 countries considered, and in maths Ireland dropped 10 places to 26th, the second steepest decline recorded. The OECD described our educational attainment as below average in maths and barely average in science. Figures like these define a failing society, not one with ambitions and capabilities like ours.
No matter what the reasons these figures are unacceptable and must be confronted with realism and energy if we are ever to rebuild an economy capable of supporting our needs and ambitions.
Mr Quinn is certain to tell delegates that these trends must be reversed using the resources to hand as our economic dependency on the continuing but expensive kindness of strangers means funding is more likely to be cut than increased.
Full Story: www.examiner.ie
Primary teachers face up to more cuts [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 26 April 2011
MORE schools programmes must be cut or reduced if increases in class sizes are to be avoided, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has told primary teachers.
Despite praising them for being one of the first public service unions signed up to the Croke Park agreement last year, the minister told the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) members he wants to start talks with their leaders within weeks on ways to find further savings.
Under the four-year national recovery plan, such savings must be identified to counteract the increased teacher requirements to match rising pupil numbers, or else school staffing levels will have to be reduced next year like they were in 2009.
He admitted afterwards that he does not know where the savings can be found. But, he said, it will be up to unions and school managers to go through every programme with his officials.
"We will have to justify whether each programme should continue and ask if the circumstances under which it was brought into existence in the first place still exist," he said.
Mr Quinn said INTO has had a very positive and constructive approach to the Croke Park agreement and it is vital that its implementation must be real and meaningful on the ground.
"It must be clearly visible to pupils and parents and the wider public and it must bring real value to our education system," Mr Quinn said.
Full Story: www.examiner.ie
