In my opinion: Irish must come first in our country's gaelscoils [Independent.ie]
- Published: 03 February 2010
The first time I saw Circular 44/07 I reacted with horror and disbelief in common with other gaelscoil principals and their school communities. I knew from the onset that I was prepared to do almost anything to have the circular withdrawn. This is because I firmly believe that early total immersion (ETI) education is the right approach having experienced it first hand as a pupil in Tallaght and later as an infant teacher and principal in Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh.
Although I do admit to a few sleepless nights, seeking a judicial review in the High Court seemed the most logical step to take by our Board of Management in order to safeguard the current practice and characteristic spirit of our school.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Teachers may grumble now -- but things were much worse [Independent.ie]
- Published: 03 February 2010
In the early part of the last century, the writer Hanna Sheehy Skeffington was moved to remark that female second level teachers were "the most harassed and exploited class in the whole country".
The position of their male counterparts was not that much better.
Their jobs were insecure, they had little or no opportunity for promotion in schools that were dominated by the clergy, and their pay was meagre.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Minister O’Keeffe and Des Bishop launch new website to teach Irish [education.ie]
- Published: 02 February 2010
The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD, today (Monday) launched an interactive website to improve teaching and learning of spoken Irish in post-primary schools in a move backed by popular comedian Des Bishop.
Abair Leat! is a virtual online language laboratory in which students can improve their Irish by interacting over the internet with native Irish speakers.
Students can use the website to listen to native Irish speakers, record their own material in Irish and undertake self-correcting exercises.
Teachers can assess students' work on the website and give spoken feedback online or written feedback by email.
Full Story: www.education.ie
Including all in the learning experience [IrishTimes]
- Published: 02 February 2010
Holy Child, Sallynoggin, Dublin, provides more support for special needs students than any other school in the city, topping the recent Irish Times list. Principal Eileen Morris is determined that inclusion permeates the ethos of the school, writes LOUISE HOLDEN
HOLY CHILD Sallynoggin transfers students to UCD, NCAD, DIT, DCU and Mater Dei. The school has a science block, art studios, soccer pitches, tennis courts, a sports hall and a dance studio. Famous for its arts and music division, the school offers dance tutorship for all students with RTÉ choreographer Pat Howe. Every student gets a chance to play the instrument of their choice in the school band.You’d pay a lot to send your child to a school like that, wouldn’t you?
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Talkback [IrishTimes]
- Published: 02 February 2010
Schools' attitudes to disability must change, writes ANN HEELAN
RECENTLY The Irish Times revealed how many fee-paying schools appear to be excluding children with special educational needs. In responding to this list, the question we should ask is: Why are so many professionals involved in education behaving in this unacceptable way?
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
