Delay filling 475 special needs posts defended [IrishTimes]
- Published: 22 September 2011
THE DELAY in filling 475 special needs assistant posts in schools was defended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
“These are withheld for a very good reason: to cater for cases in which, as a newly assessed child comes into a class, an accident occurs or some other issue arises,” he said.
Mr Kenny said Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn was right to consider the extent of observation periods so that a comprehensive assessment of each child’s needs could be obtained.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said that since 1998 there had been radical change, as well as dramatic improvements, in mainstreaming special needs education services. “For God’s sake, what the Taoiseach is saying does not tally with the reality on the ground. It is ridiculous to talk about 475 posts being withheld. Why are they being withheld?”
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Quinn wants CAO forms filled after exam results out [IrishTimes]
- Published: 22 September 2011
LEAVING CERT students should be able to complete their CAO form after they receive their exam results, Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has suggested.
He also raised the possibility of all students taking a first-year foundation course in college before specialising in later years. At present, students must submit their CAO change of mind application by July 1st – six weeks before the Leaving Cert results are published.
Mr Quinn signalled that students could make a much more informed choice if a revised timetable was introduced. While this was a matter for the universities which controlled the CAO, he said modern technology should allow for change.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Technology 'set to replace' bulky textbooks [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 22 September 2011
Thousands of students in Ireland may have their school books replaced this year with gadgets such as e-readers and tablet PCs.
The Irish Independent reports that 27 schools around the country are taking part in an initiative led by publisher Edco to introduce digitised versions of textbooks into the classroom.
Fiona O'Carroll, senior vice-president of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, predicted that within a few years, all pupils should be using some form of portable technology as a learning aid.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Students missing career chances by working for money rather than experience [Independent.ie]
- Published: 22 September 2011
University students take on any summer job just to earn money rather than seek work experience in a career they are interested in, according to new research today.
Most said money was the main motivation for seeking work in the holidays, with two out of five taking jobs in telesales, factories, fast food outlets and bars, a survey of 1,000 graduates by energy giant Centrica found.
Almost two-thirds said they wished they had thought more about their future careers and gained relevant work experience while at university.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Holy Rosary opens doors to the boys [wicklowpeople.ie]
- Published: 21 September 2011
IT WAS THE END of an era in Wicklow town recently as the last remaining single sex primary schools became co-educational.
After years catering to the education of little girls, the Holy Rosary Primary School welcomed 13 boys into its classes of 58 junior infants; meanwhile over at St. Patrick's NS five little girls were sharing their crayons with the 40 boys starting their first days of school.
While there were a few inevitable tears shed on the first day, overall the whole occasion has been a happy one - and one welcomed by parents and staff alike.
Full Story: www.wicklowpeople.ie
