Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills announces appointment of the New Council Members of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta [education.ie]
- Published: 17 November 2010
The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, TD, today announced the appointment of the Council of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta for a new term of office ending in November 2014.
An Chomhairle was established under the Education Act 1998 to advise on the provision of Irish in schools generally, and on teaching through Irish in Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools, to coordinate the provision of textbooks and learning materials in Irish, to provide support services to schools and to engage in research.
The Tánaiste said the Council has a key role in the promotion of Irish, and in ensuring that Irish medium schools are equipped with quality learning materials to meet the needs of teachers and students.
It will play a very important role in the implementation of the Government’s 20 year strategy for Irish.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Teacher awarded €12,000 over discrimination [Rte.ie]
- Published: 16 November 2010
The Equality Tribunal has awarded more than €12,000 to a primary school teacher who was discriminated against because she was not a Catholic.
The tribunal found that Knocktemple National School in Virginia, Co Cavan, discriminated against the female teacher when she applied for a job at the school in 2007.
Michelle McKeever is a member of the Church of Ireland.
She applied for a permanent job at Knocktemple National School, which is Catholic, in May 2007.
Shortly after, she was contacted by the school principal and the chairperson of the school and offered a permanent post.
But after a phone call in which Ms McKeever was questioned about holding the Catholic Religion Certificate, that offer was withdrawn.
The Equality Tribunal has dismissed two explanations given by the school as to why this happened. The explanations were based on breaches of formal procedures.
Michelle McKeever contended that her religion had become a factor in the appointment procedure.
The Equality Tribunal has agreed with her, finding that not only was Ms McKeever's religion discussed, but that it also influenced the school's board of management in withdrawing the offer that had been made.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
Row over teaching of religion in primary schools' 'experiment' [Independent.ie]
- Published: 16 November 2010
A ROW has broken out over the preparation of pupils for religious ceremonies such as First Communion in five experimental primary schools.
The five pilot Community National Schools use a multi-belief programme called "Goodness Me, Goodness You" that introduces pupils to all major religious and non-religious beliefs.
But crucially, it also provides time during the school year for separate specific religious instruction for children of different faiths.
That model was to be rolled out in future to cater for children of all faiths and those of no faith. But the row over preparation for religious ceremonies during school hours is a serious setback to government hopes for securing agreement with believers and non-believers on the new integrated school model.
The Catholic Church believes parents have the right to expect religious formation, including preparation for the sacraments, for their children during the school day. This was promised by former Education Minister Mary Hanafin when she launched the pilot scheme
But the Humanist Association of Ireland is writing to current minister Mary Coughlan, rejecting the pilot programme, the Irish Independent has learned.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Beating the bullies [belfasttelegraph.co.uk]
- Published: 16 November 2010
Bullying can affect anyone at any time in their lives. Just last week Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle revealed that she was being bullied because of her Londonderry accent.
We at the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum want to stamp out the problem and are working with children and young people to make them more aware of how serious it can be.
More than 700 schools across Northern Ireland are taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2010, which is brilliant.
Each year we focus on a different theme — in recent years it has been cyber-bullying, going to a new school, and bullying while travelling to and from school.
Full Story: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Autism schools staff to train as primary teachers in state funding deal [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 15 November 2010
STAFF at a dozen schools for pupils with autism are being offered training to become primary teachers as part of a deal that will see the schools funded by the state.
The 12 are among 13 schools which previously offered just one form of education – applied behavioural analysis (ABA) – but were included in a pilot programme to receive Department of Education funding. As a result of discussions between the schools and the department, they are to be recognised as special schools and receive full funding but one of the conditions is that other teaching methods must also be used.This means that ABA tutors are not recognised for the purposes of teaching and may be designated as special needs assistants (SNAs) or to other posts until such time as they achieve the primary teaching qualifications needed to teach in a special school.
"Existing staff will have the option of choosing to avail of redundancy if they do not wish to take up a new position in the new school setting. The department can confirm that it is committed to providing teaching training for the existing staff cohort who take up the new positions," a spokesman said.
Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com
