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Education And Politics News
Guidance counsellor cuts 'could lead to lawsuits'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/02/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
The potential removal of up to 700 guidance and counselling experts in schools across Ireland could lead to legal action being brought against education establishments, it has been warned.
Deputy president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) Gerry Flynn claimed budget cuts forcing the removal of such experts could be detrimental to schools, the Irish Times reports.
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Unions criticise government suspension of teaching allowances
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/02/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Two teachers unions have criticised a decision by the Department of Education (DES) to suspend payment allowances for new teachers.
The announcement was made by the government yesterday evening (January 31st), with all payments shelved pending a review by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
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All second level schools to get high speed broadband
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/02/2012.Tags: Education And Politics Secondary School News
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All second level schools are to get high speed (100Mbps) broadband, the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. and the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D. announced yesterday. The national roll-out will be completed over three stages with 200 schools being connected by September 2012, a further 200 being connected next year and the remaining 250 schools being connected in ... click to read full post & commentsThree-fifths of schools 'worse off financially'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 26/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
A large number of schools may be forced to reassess their classroom resources due to reduced budgets in recent years.
Research by the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) revealed 60 per cent of establishments say they are financially worse off now than when the recession began, the Irish Examiner reports.
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Govt 'improving its record' on children's rights
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 24/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Parents of youngsters starting school this year may be pleased to hear the government's record on children's rights is said to be improving.
This is according to the Children's Rights Alliance, which has issued its latest report on the country's performance in this area, which awarded the Fine Gael/Labour coalition an overall grade of C+.
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Small schools could be forced to share resources
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 17/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Funding reductions announced in last month's Budget statement could result in small schools having to share classroom and teaching resources, one minister has stated.
Speaking on RTE's The Week in Politics show, Alan Kelly said that while it is not a goal of the government to close small educational facilities, some concessions will have to be made.
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DEIS 'having positive effect' on disadvantaged schools
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
The Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme has had a positive effect on the quality of education in Ireland's most disadvantaged institutions, according to new research.
Introduced in 2005, the programme offers additional teaching resources and other support to 670 primary and 195 post-primary schools.
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Quinn: Cuts to DEIS schools a mistake
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has acknowledged it was a mistake to announce cuts to teaching resources for some of the country's most disadvantaged schools.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland programme, he added that any changes to the plans at this stage will have an impact on other areas of the education system, as savings will have to be found elsewhere.
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Report calls for shakeup of education system
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Primary schools should devote more of their teaching resources to maths lessons, while the points system for entry to third-level institutions ought to be abolished, it has been stated.
These are among the findings of a new study by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), which proposed widespread changes to the education system in Ireland in order to help boost the country's long-term economy, the Irish Independent reports.
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Sinn Fein calls on govt to reverse education cuts
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Planned cutbacks to the education system in Ireland that affect some of the country's most disadvantaged schools should be reversed, Sinn Fein has stated.
The party has put forward a motion to be debated in the Dail calling on the government to avoid targeting establishments classed in Band One and Two of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) initiative.
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Irish colleges to see record number of applications
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Students taking their Leaving Certificate exams this year may find they need more points than in previous years in order to secure entry to third-level education in Ireland, as the number of applications is said to be on the rise.
The Irish Times noted courses such as science and technology-based subjects will see the toughest points requirements due to an increase in demand.
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Changes to learning support 'will harm pupils'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Proposed changes to the way classroom resources for special needs students are calculated could damage the quality of education on offer, it has been warned.
Until now, primary schools were allocated staff to assist children with common learning difficulties such as dyslexia based on how many pupils they have, the Irish Examiner reports.
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UL marks 40th Anniversary with €2,000 Scholarships for 40 Incoming Students
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics Secondary School News
The University of Limerick is offering €2,000 entrance scholarships to 40 students to mark the occasion of its 40th Anniversary this year. The 40 scholarships will be offered to students who will begin their undergraduate studies in the Autumn Semester for the Academic Year 2012/13. Speaking about the UL40 Scholarships Professor Paul McCutcheon, Vice President Academic & Registrar of the University of Limerick said ... click to read full post & comments
Minister to audit private school spending
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has announced he is to launch an investigation into how private schools are using the fees they receive.
A survey by the Irish Times revealed these establishments take in more than 120 million euros annually from parents, in addition to the 100 million euros in funding they receive from the state for teacher salaries.
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Guidance Counsellors meet to discuss budget cuts
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics Teachers
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Guidance Counsellors from around the country will be meeting in Dublin this afternoon to discuss the Budget cuts and to organise a campaign of protest. As of next year, schools will lose the separate allocation they have for ... click to read full post & comments(1)
Single-sex schools 'to be targeted' for cuts
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/01/2012.Tags: Education And Politics
Cuts to classroom resources may affect single-sex schools more severely, as these establishments are said to have been highlighted for a reduction in teacher numbers.
The Irish Independent reports the Department of Education has identified these facilities as targets as they are believed to have an advantage over co-ed schools, which may face additional challenges in providing courses to cater for the interests of both girls and boys.
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Students 'should be encouraged' towards science subjects
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 30/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Parents of youngsters looking to go on to third level education in Ireland have been urged to encourage their offspring to take up science and technology-based subjects.
Chairman of the Higher Education Authority John Hennessy stated these degrees could offer better career prospects than courses such as medicine and law, the Irish Independent reports.
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Record numbers apply for Back to School payments
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 29/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A record number of parents have applied for the school footwear and uniform allowance this year, with payments set to total over 90 million euros.
The Irish Examiner reports the Department for Social Protection expects to process claims from nearly 200,000 families for 390,000 children, with the large volume meaning some applications were yet to be approved before Christmas.
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Leaving Certificate set for reforms
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 22/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
The Leaving Certificate is to become tougher under new plans that will see questions made less predictable.
A report compiled by the Higher Education Authority and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment highlighted incidences of candidates being able to gain maximum marks by memorising pre-packaged answers and essays.
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Children's rights group welcomes referendum pledge
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A pledge from Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald to hold a referendum on a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of youngsters has been welcomed by one charity.
Ms Fitzgerald told the Dail it is her intention to bring the issue forward as soon as possible in 2012, once the wording of the document has been finalised in a manner that will satisfy all parties.
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Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative
Posted by School Run Mum on 21/12/2011.Tags: School Run Mum Education And Politics Parenting
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In the recent budget, a proposal was announced to abolish the Modern Languages in Primary Schools Initiative with immediate effect. This incredibly worthwhile initiative supports modern languages in over 550 schools nationally with a core team of just 6 people, providing training, resources and school-based support as well as funding 300 visiting teachers who deliver the language programme in schools nationwide, all within a budget of under €2 million.The proposal to abolish the initiative comes at a time when ... click to read full post & comments
Minister announces new school building projects
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 20/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has announced the development of 56 new school building plans as part of a 430 million euro investment in education infrastructure for 2012.
The proposals includes 26 new primary schools and nine secondary schools - as well as extensions to existing facilities - that will provide classroom resources for over 15,500 primary and 7,700 secondary pupils.
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Class sizes 'set to rise' in small schools
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 19/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A reduction in classroom resources for small schools is likely to lead to larger class sizes and multiple groups being taught in the same room.
This is the warning of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), which stated that cuts announced in this month's Budget statement will see major changes to the way establishments are allocated staff members.
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Private schools 'suing parents' over non-payment of fees
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 12/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Some of Ireland's leading private schools have begun taking legal action against the parents of pupils due to failures to pay fees.
According to a report in the Sunday Times, one establishment to seek redress through the courts is St Columba's College, which is the most expensive institution in the state with average fees of 12,000 euros per year for day students and 21,000 euros for boarders.
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Schools 'could be left without heating' due to budget cuts
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
An assessment into the impact of budget cuts on the education system has warned some schools could be left without essentials such as heating or insurance as a result of the reductions.
This is according to a submission by the Department of Education in September to Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin’s comprehensive review of expenditure, which warned even a one per cent decrease in capitation would leave some facilities struggling to fund crucial services, the Irish Examiner reported.
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Budget cuts will 'negatively affect' quality of education
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
The standard of education received by children in Ireland is likely to be hit by this week's Budget announcement, which saw funding for the sector slashed.
In a letter to Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn, general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland Pat King warned it would have a "profoundly negative" affect on the quality of teaching.
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Education Sector Cuts Announced
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Teachers Parenting
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A range of measures that will affect the education system been announced as part of yesterday's (December 5th) Budget statement from the government.As of next year, schools will lose the separate allocation they have for guidance and guidance provisions will therefore have to be managed by schools from within their standard teacher allocations – the Department estimates this will yield net savings of 500 posts when provision is made for the reduced staffing schedule for DEIS schools.
The Back-to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has also been ... click to read full post & comments(2)
Pupil-teacher ratio increase plans postponed
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Plans to raise the pupil-teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools have been dropped from the first instalment of the Budget.
The Irish Times reports the move, which would have seen the ratio rise from September 2012, has been put on hold and will now be up for consideration in 2013.
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Axing Guidance Counsellors Would Have Serious Consequences
Posted by Days Newshound on 02/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Teachers Parenting
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Axing Guidance Counsellors Would Have Serious Consequences for Young People’s Job Prospects, Lives . Responding to a report that the Government may cut the number of Career Guidance Counsellors in second-level schools, ASTI General Secretary Pat King today said: “It is unthinkable that at a time of high unemployment and when the Government is publicly stating that its number one priority is ... click to read full post & comments
Education cuts 'could harm key subjects'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/12/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Proposed cuts to the education system could result in many schools cutting back on key subject areas due to a lack of available teaching resources.
This is according to general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland Pat King, who warned an increase in the pupil-teacher ratio would lead to some classes being dropped.
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Gifted youngsters 'need to be challenged'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 29/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Many of the brightest children in Ireland are not being offered the services they need to be adequately challenged, which could be hindering their potential, it has been stated.
According to the Irish Times, of the 35,000 children in the top five per cent of the population for their intellectual ability, only 4,500 currently access specialised programmes.
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Education cuts - Parents’ deepest fears
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 28/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Teachers Parenting
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A representative for parents of second-level students has said further education cuts will push many schools to breaking point. Speaking at the launch of the Post-Primary Education Forum (PPEF) pre-budget submission today, the President of the National Parents’ Council Post Primary, Tommy Walshe said: “The impression that schools are coping with education cuts is a false one. After three years of cuts I think you could say that ... click to read full post & comments
Public opposed to education cutbacks, survey finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 25/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A new study has found the majority of people in Ireland would be opposed to large-scale cutbacks in the country's education system in the next Budget announcement.
This is according to a survey conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI), which found three-quarters of respondents said there should be little or no reduction in funding.
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Private schools to face rise in pupil-teacher ratio
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Fee-paying schools may be affected by proposals to be unveiled in the next budget that could see class sizes increase for next year, as part of changes to teaching resources.
The Irish Times reports that there will be a two-point increase in the staffing schedule for private secondary schools, which will result in there being one member of staff for every 22 students.
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Public sector reform plans to merge VECs
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 17/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Governmental reforms of the public sector, which have been announced today (November 17th), are set to slash the number of Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and merge several third level bodies.
The number of local VECs in the country will be cut from 33 to 16, the report from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed, while three bodies covering higher education will be amalgamated.
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"Whole school approach" needed to tackle bullying
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 16/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Schools need to have a comprehensive response strategy in place to tackle bullying and teachers must act to stamp out all forms of the abuse, the coordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance has argued.
Speaking following the release of research showing a quarter of children have been affected by verbal bullying, Sue Steel said a "whole school approach" is needed to tackle the problem, including training to help staff identify its various forms.
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Schools benefiting from donations tax break
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 15/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A special tax break has enabled over 160 schools to reclaim money on donations they received worth 250 euros.
Figures obtained from the Revenue Commissioners by RTE revealed 167 institutions took advantage of the school policy, which was introduced by current Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn when he held the position of Minister for Finance in the 1990s.
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Verbal bullying affects 25% of children, research shows
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 14/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A quarter of children have been subjected to verbal bullying in the last year, a new survey conducted in the UK by the Anti-Bullying Alliance has revealed.
The research, which involved nearly 1,000 11 to 16-year-olds, found 26 per cent had been verbally abused, with the majority (79 per cent) experiencing it at school.
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School building to be prioritised under new capital spending plans
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
A major announcement of capital spending plans for the coming years has stated that investing in new schools is to be a priority of the government.
The Department of Education will receive a total of 440 million euros a year over the next five years, which is to be used to create an extra 80,000 new school places at primary and post-primary level.
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IVEA Welcomes Provision for 100,000 Permanent School Places
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics Teachers
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The announcement today by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn that €2.2 billion in capital funding for schools is to be made available over the next five years has been welcomed by the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA). IVEA General Secretary Michael Moriarty says:"The announcement of the provision of over 100,000 permanent school places, which includes over 80,000 additional school places, is very welcome. It is good to see ... click to read full post & comments
Minister welcomes 14 new school builds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has welcomed the successful delivery of 14 new schools that have been under construction around the country.
These consist of 13 primaries and one post-primary facility and should provide classroom resources for 3,500 current pupils, as well as creating 1,000 new places.
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Costs for school transport 'could double'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
New plans from the government could see the cost of transport for primary school children double from next year.
The Department of Education is considering proposals to increase charges for individual pupils from 50 euros to 100 euros, while the maximum costs for families with more than one child will increase from 110 euros to 220 euros, the Irish Examiner reports.
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Quinn approves plans to scrap Junior Certificate
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has approved radical proposals to abolish the Junior Certificate and replace it with a course that sees a greater emphasis on continuous assessment.
Addressing the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which published its report into the future of the country's education system at Junior Cert level last month, he confirmed key proposals such as capping the number of subjects at eight.
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Minister unveils new devolved school building projects
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/11/2011.Tags: Education And Politics
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has announced details of 28 new school building projects, most of which will be project managed by Vocational Education Committees (VECs).
The schemes, which include new builds, extensions and replacement buildings, will be managed by 13 individual VECs, while one new establishment will be overseen by Louth County Council.
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