IPPN

Turning our back on science [Independent.ie]

Published: 01 April 2010

SECONDARY teachers' concerns about the deteriorating state of science education are well placed, but there may be ways to address the problem other than those they suggest. An ASTI survey has found that one in seven schools has dropped a science subject this year, and another one in five will be forced to do so before the end of the academic year.

They blame cutbacks in government spending, citing difficulties in conducting field trips and a lack of information technology facilities in schools. Physics and chemistry, the subjects being most commonly dropped by schools, can be taught very effectively without the benefit of field trips, but a lack of basic IT tools is unforgivable -- the country only went broke recently.

On the other hand, a call for the hiring of laboratory technicians to clean up sounds a little optimistic at a time when everyone lucky enough to have a job should be prepared to roll up their sleeves.

Full Story: www.independent.ie

What's the next step for public sector unions? [Independent.ie]

Published: 01 April 2010

IMPACT, 65,000 members: Its central executive committee meets on April 8 to decide whether to recommend the deal to its members or end the campaign of industrial action.
SIPTU, 70,000 public sector members: A decision on whether to halt industrial action will be taken "within days". Meeting of the national executive council is likely to be held within a week. Balloting will take six to eight weeks, with a result likely in mid-May.
Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, more than 43,000 members: Executive council meets on April 12 and 13 to consider the proposals, followed by a nationwide ballot.

l Civil, Public and Services Union, 13,000 members: Executive committee met yesterday. Lifted its four-week ban on overtime at the Passport Office.

Full Story: www.independent.ie

One-third of schools may drop science subjects [IrishExaminer]

Published: 01 April 2010

ONE-third of second-level schools may have to cut the teaching of science subjects because of education cutbacks, a survey has found.

Increases in pupil-teacher ratios imposed last September mean schools have had to reorganise timetables because of reduced teacher numbers. A total of 14% of those responding to the research for the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) report they have dropped science subjects from their timetable this year. But a further one-in-five science teachers who took part said that, while their school had not dropped a science subject this year, they believe it is likely it will happen in the next school year.

Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com

Pay deal at risk after TUI rejects proposals [IrishExaminer]

Published: 01 April 2010

STRONG opposition has emerged among trade unionists to the public sector pay deal proposal which was endorsed by union leaders and government officials on Tuesday.

The executive committee of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) last night decided to reject the proposals and will recommend their rejection to its annual congress which takes place in Clare next week.

A TUI spokesman said that overall the deal was found to be unacceptable by the union executive.

Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com