Martin condemns cuts to language support initiative [fiannafail.ie]
- Published: 08 December 2011
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has described as “extremely regressive and short-sighted” the decision to cut the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative (MLPSI). The initiative has been in operation to great effect since 1998 following its launch by Deputy Martin when he was Minister for Education.
Deputy Martin said: “I am appalled by the decision to shut down this initiative. Thousands of children have benefited from this scheme over the years learning Spanish, which is spoken by half the world’s population, French, German and Italian. The initiative has been a fantastic way of developing language learning among young people.
“The Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative has helped bring about greater diversity in the language capacity of students and all experts recognise that it is much easier for students to develop another language skill at a young age. The initiative involves introducing Italian, Spanish, German and French into 5th and 6th classes. As we all know students can develop a love of languages in their school years which they will carry with them through education.
Full Story: www.fiannafail.ie
Quinn told schools could have no heat [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 08 December 2011
EDUCATION Minister Ruairi Quinn has cut budgets for the running of schools despite concerns that just half the planned cut could leave them unable to fund insurance or heating.
In its submission in September to Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin’s comprehensive review of expenditure, the Department of Education outlined potential savings across its entire non-capital budget of almost €8.5 billion.
Among those announced in the budget on Monday was a 2% cut in capitation grants to all 4,000 primary and second-level schools in 2012 and again in 2013, with a further 1% drop in each of the following two years. The funding is based on the number of pupils in each school and was already cut by 5% this year.
The 120-page document shows how officials said that even a 1% cut to capitation for all schools to save €3.5 million a year could leave some unable to fund essential spending.
Full Story: www.examiner.ie
1,000 teachers to take early retirement [Independent.ie]
- Published: 08 December 2011
NEARLY 1,000 teachers have signed up to take early retirement before the end of February.
But the number could significantly increase as teachers rush to avail of better pension benefits if they leave before February.
Under the Croke Park agreement, public servants retiring before February 29 will have their pension and tax-free lump sum based on their 2009 salary, before pay cuts were imposed.
The exodus is good news for the estimated 2,000 young teachers without regular work.
The Department of Education said that by the end of November, 584 primary and and 367 second-level teachers had applied for early retirement. Even though the end of November was set as the deadline, teachers may still apply for the package before the end of February.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Class chaos as up to 1,000 teachers rush to retire [Herald.ie]
- Published: 08 December 2011
EXAM students are being left in the lurch as teachers rush to collect lucrative retirement and pension deals by the middle of next school term.
Up to 100,000 Leaving and Junior Cert students will be hit by the move from education Minister Ruairi Quinn in which at least 1,000 teachers retire.
As first revealed by the Herald, outgoing staff will receive lump sums of €97,000 each and annual pensions of more than €30,000
But the deal only applies if they leave by February.
Parents and students, however, are outraged that the deal will have a devastating effect on those preparing for crucial exams.
Full Story: www.herald.ie
Private school welcomes charter trial to aid the disadvantaged [nzherald.co.nz]
- Published: 08 December 2011
charter school trial is being welcomed by a private education provider in Auckland that is looking to expand its model to help disadvantaged students.
The Government wants to try charter schools - state-funded independent campuses - in South Auckland and Christchurch, with the possibility of making them a permanent part of the education system.
Alwyn Poole, academic manager at Mt Hobson Middle School, said the model he uses would be perfect for a charter school.
"There hasn't been a mechanism for us to expand, and we know it would work incredibly well in areas where there is great need."
Full Story: nzherald.co.nz
