Time to transfer control of primary education [IrishTimes]
- Published: 26 January 2010
OPINION: NOW THAT our primary schools have reopened after the recent cold spell, and in the light of the astounding revelations in the latest Irish Times opinion poll, it is timely to explore the apparent thaw in the Catholic Church’s attitude to the question of pluralism and patronage in our 3,200 primary schools, writes RUAIRÍ QUINN
Bishop Leo O’Reilly, chairman of the bishops’ commission on education, recently made an interesting contribution (“Catholics entitled to their schools”, Opinion and Analysis, December 19th).
“There is a need for pluralism of education in Ireland so that parents have a choice, as far as possible, about what kind of school their children will attend,” he wrote. “This right to parental choice in education is recognised in most democracies and enshrined in our Constitution.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Teacher's Pet [IrishTimes]
- Published: 26 January 2010
An insider’s guide to education
- The writing has been on the wall for the National University of Ireland (NUI) since the (very large) salary of its former registrar was cut by the review body on higher pay several years ago. It was the first sign that the mandarins were targeting the venerable body, which dates back to 1908.
The coup de grace was delivered by UCD and UCC which were distinctly lukewarm in their support for the NUI at a time when it needed to mount a vigorous rearguard action. Rumours about the absence of university presidents from regular NUI meetings also damaged the organisation.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Department reviewing SNA posts [rte.ie]
- Published: 26 January 2010
The Department of Education has said that a review process is underway in all schools to identify cases where special needs assistants (SNAs) posts are now redundant.
A spokesperson for the department confirmed a number of posts would be withdrawn - beginning at the end of January - but refused to give the total figure until the review process ends in March.
He said there was 'absolutely no question of SNA posts being removed from schools where they're needed and meet the scheme's criteria'.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
Teachers’ unions will vote on boycott of primary school tests [timesonline.co.uk]
- Published: 26 January 2010
The prospect of disruption to primary school tests moved closer yesterday, as unions representing heads and teachers said they would ballot for a boycott.
The action threatens to prevent 10 and 11-year olds from sitting tests in some parts of England. Both unions claimed that in many areas children would attend school but not be entered for the tests. This could wreak chaos on school league tables, which are based on children’s scores in the tests.
Full Story: www.timesonline.co.uk
Primary Supervision Opt Out Forms - 2009/10 School Year
- Published: 26 January 2010
Primary Payroll Section
Department of Education & Science
Athlone
Co Westmeath)
