Message From The Director [PPDS.ie]
- Published: 07 September 2009
We in the PPDS would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to school, for what will undoubtedly be a busy and challenging year. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
Full Story: http://ppds.ie/
Maternity/Adoptive Leave [DES Circular 0052/2009]
- Published: 04 September 2009
Circular 0052/2009 contains revised arrangements for teachers and SNAs liable for Class A PRSI contributions who propose to take Maternity Leave / Adoptive Leave.
Full Story: http://www.cpsma.ie/
Swine flu has little impact on schools [Independent.ie]
- Published: 04 September 2009
The highest rate of swine flu was among 15-19 year olds last week -- but the virus has had little impact on schools to date.
Dr Patrick Doorley, the HSE's head of health protection, said doctors are surprised at the "very small" number of times they have been called out to suspected cases of swine flu in schools since pupils returned.
He was speaking as the latest figures show a slight fall in the rate of swine flu in the week to last Sunday, stabilising at around 1,500 cases.
However, 20 people with swine flu remain in hospital, four of whom are in intensive care.
Dr Doorley said the first 30,000 doses of the swine flu vaccine have arrived.
Full Story: http://www.independent.ie/
Special needs teachers to avoid staff cuts [Independent.ie]
- Published: 04 September 2009
SPECIAL needs teachers may be spared the axe in the next round of staff cuts in the public service, the Irish Independent has learned.
Instead it is likely to fall on mainstream teachers, who could face larger classes next year.
A review is nearing completion and is believed to recommend that no change be made in the existing model of allocation of teachers, which is on the basis of the number of pupils in the school, with disadvantaged and boys' schools getting a more favourable ratio.
Full Story: http://www.independent.ie/education/latest-news/special-needs-teachers-to-avoid-staff-cuts-1878127.html
Teaching assistants don't boost pupils' progress, report finds [Guardian.co.uk]
- Published: 04 September 2009
Primary and secondary pupils supported by teaching assistants (TAs) actually make less progress than those of similar ability, class and gender who do not get such assistance, a study by the Institute of Education has found. But the students are less distracted and disruptive, leaving teachers free to work with the rest of the class.
The study found that TAs usually worked with pupils who needed the most help - but this meant such children spent less time being taught by the teacher.
Full Story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/
