Class size increases would do ‘irreparable damage’, say teachers [thejournal.ie]
- Published: 04 August 2011
A TEACHERS’ UNION has said proposed increases in class sizes would do “irreparable damage” to Ireland’s school system.
The TUI warned that “the future of our young people” was at stake, adding that subjects such as physics and maths – which have been highlighted by the government as priorities – would be hardest hit by the changes.
Annette Dolan, deputy general secretary of the union, said the changes would mean “a large school would lose two teachers or 66 classes of tuition every week”, adding: “The survival of ‘minority’ subjects would come under serious threat.”
Full Story: www.thejournal.ie
Class sizes set to grow due to cost-saving measures [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 04 August 2011
Class sizes in schools throughout Ireland could become larger as part of a drive by the government to cut costs.
It has been suggested by the Department of Education that increasing the number of students in a classroom is the most effective way of saving money, which could equate to 75 million euros per year, the Irish Times reports.
The proposals, which are set to be announced at the next budget, would affect both primary and secondary schools and may have serious implications for trainee teachers.
It was stated by the publication they will make it harder for newly-qualified educators to find a post, with more than 1,100 positions being left unfilled.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
School class sizes set to increase [IrishTimes]
- Published: 04 August 2011
Teachers, opposition parties and a children’s charity said today students will suffer as a result of a Government proposal to increase class sizes.
They were responding to the Department of Education’s plan to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in a bid to save €75 million.
The proposal – set to be a key part of the next budget – would mean more than 1,100 teaching posts are left unfilled at primary and second level.
Primary class sizes would be increased from 27 to 28 pupils, while secondary school class sizes would increase from 19 to 20 pupils.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Pupil-teacher ratio set to rise [eecho.ie]
- Published: 04 August 2011
The Department of Education is reportedly planning to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in both primary and secondary schools in an effort to save the State up to €75m.
According to reports in today's Irish Times, there will now be 28 primary school students for every one teacher, and 20 secondary school students for every one teacher.
The proposal – which is set to be a key part of the next budget – would mean more than 1,100 teaching posts left unfilled at primary and second level.
Full Story: www.eecho.ie
Quinn faces reality check in education reform drive [IrishTimes]
- Published: 04 August 2011
ANALYSIS: The Minister’s room for manoeuvre is limited as the Croke Park deal means salary cuts cannot be considered
MINISTER for Education Ruairí Quinn has been cutting a dash since he arrived in Marlborough Street four months ago.
There has been a constant flow of initiatives and reform on everything from literacy standards to school patronage to the establishment of Solas, the so-called new Fás. For his senior staff it has been an exhausting if exhilarating period with plenty of good PR for their boss.
But there is also the sense of calm before the storm. “We have no choice but to make substantial cuts in the education funding as we prepare for the budget . . . the only question is who should bear the pain?” says one senior source.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
