Answer the question: Our ‘pushy parents’ need a gentle reality check [timesonline.co.uk]
- Published: 28 March 2010
Teachers in Tokyo have been sent a booklet offering advice on how to deal with pushy parents. Isn’t it time Ed Balls, the secretary of state for education, did something similar to protect British teachers from unreasonable parental demands?
Christine Solent, by email
If you believe the news reports, the monster mums lurking outside the school gates in Tokyo are a scary lot who think nothing of telling teachers to wash their children’s sports kit or even cut the odd fingernail. I have not heard of British parents behaving in this way, though if the government continues to blur the lines between parents, teachers and social workers, I accept that I soon will.
Full Story: www.timesonline.co.uk
Greens vote for PRSI cuts for under 26s [tribune.ie]
- Published: 28 March 2010
THE GREEN party has voted in favour of cutting employer PRSI for all those hired under the age of 26, at the party's convention in Waterford.
Speaking in favour of the motion, new Senator Niall O'Brolcháin said blockages that stop young people gaining employment need to be removed.
The Greens, he said, is a party of youth and innovation and must strive not to force Ireland's young people to emigrate. O'Brolcháin added that young people are finding it difficult to get work experience after they finish third level so the PRSI cut would help them.
Full Story: www.tribune.ie
Cowen's last throw of the dice [tribune.ie]
- Published: 28 March 2010
Lenihan is undoubtedly the star performer in government, despite facing the worst economic conditions of any finance minister. He had a rocky start in the job but visibly grew into it after the medical cards for the elderly debacle. Backed, it has to be said, by his taoiseach, Lenihan took the tough decisions, stood over them and passionately argued his case, helped by the fact that he is a superb communicator. Questions remain about the decision to introduce the bank guarantee on that famous night in September 2008 and to prop up Anglo Irish Bank, but at least as many questions remain about the opposing case as well. The economic outlook remains bleak but the sense of crisis that prevailed last year – when it appeared intervention by the IMF might be necessary – has passed, and for that Lenihan deserves enormous credit.
Full Story: www.tribune.ie
Coughlan facing a tough new curriculum [thepost.ie]
- Published: 28 March 2010
If the Tánaiste harbours any expectations of an easy ride in Education, the Donegal politician will be in for a sharp shock, writes Martha Kearns.
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has been severely criticised over the past months for her handling of the crucial role of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, if she thinks that her new role as Minister for Education and Skills will be an easy landing, she should think again.
The teaching representatives are among the most hardline of the country’s unions, and they are not afraid to stand up to ministers. With the teaching unions about to embark on their annual round of conferences, Coughlan is taking over the reins at a time when the unions are at their most vocal and hardline.
Full Story: www.thepost.ie
Present-giving to teachers ‘getting out of hand’, union survey finds [timesonline.co.uk]
- Published: 26 March 2010
An apple for teacher is no longer enough if you’re looking for an end-of-term gift. Instead, think designer handbags, a brace of pheasant or tickets to a Test match.
Present-giving has got out of hand, a teachers’ leader has warned, with parents vying with each other to curry favour at school.
A survey of members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) suggests that 94 per cent of staff have received a gift from a pupil or their parents. One in ten members is given a tribute at their school more than three times a year.
Full Story: www.timesonline.co.uk
