The real scandal in Tipperary
The Tipperary school which refused admission to a pregnant 16 year old has drawn much criticism. Last week, Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn made headline news when he joined the chorus of criticism.
The Department of Education, however, also has questions to answer. Why does it continue to fund the school which – with no board of management in place – appears to contravene the Education Act? Why is the taxpayer supporting a private school controlled and run by principal/manager?
The department estimates there are about 10 such schools, all privately run, in receipt of State funding. The department should press for an audit of the accounts of all of these schools – that is what happened when there was controversy about the running of the Muslim school in north Dublin some years ago.
A more robust approach is also required in relation to the Tipperary school. It is time for the department to wave the big stick.
Teaching with Borat
“For Irish teachers looking for work opportunities, or for professional development linked to their career break, Kazakhstan may not be an obvious consideration.”
That was the opening paragraph of a press release received last week.
For most of us, Kazakhstan is best known as home to Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen’s comic hero.
But the Nazarbayev Intellectual School Network is offering experienced, English-speaking teachers a one-year contract that is proving very tempting. Salaries are offered at $4,000 per month negotiable. Benefits include a travel allowance, housing allowance (both non-taxable), basic healthcare, shipment of belongings, holiday pay, paid sick leave and an educational allowance for children of expats.
All sounds very tempting. More details? findteachingjobsoverseas.com
Shaking up Education
That Organisational Review of the Department of Education by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is essential reading for anyone interested in the education debate.
The surprisingly robust document pinpoints several deficiencies including: failure to articulate a vision for education; the slow pace of decision-making; the undue influence exerted by the teacher unions; inadequate oversight of higher education and questions about the leadership capacity of some senior staff.
It will fall to Seán Ó Foghlú, the new secretary general of the department, to address these issues. The good news is that Ó Foghlú’s modern and pragmatic approach is already having an impact in Marlborough Street. There is, say colleagues, a “stronger focus on accountability and outcomes. And no sacred cows”.
Ó Foghlú, who holds a masters in Irish language from TCD, has surprised colleagues by being much less defensive of the language than anticipated. Interestingly, he has also been in regular contact with his predecessor, Brigid McManus, whose advice is still valued in Marlborough Street.
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Percentage of exam superintendents hired last year who were retired teachers. According to new figures obtained by Fianna Fáil’s education spokesman Brendan Smith, 1,147 retired teachers were appointed as exam superintendents last year.
In addition, 393 retired teachers were employed to correct exam papers and 192 retired teachers were hired as Leaving Certificate oral examiners.
What a scandal when so many young teachers are out of work!
ASTI’s troubles
What’s going on at the ASTI, the (still) troubled teacher union?
Recently, the union’s executive failed to nominate its own education officer, Moria Leyden, to the State’s main curriculum forum, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Former ASTI president, Joe Moran, also failed to gain a re-nomination.
The decision has dismayed the other teacher unions and school management bodies represented on the NCCA. Both the TUI and INTO have re-nominated their education officers and former presidents to the council.
Back at ASTI, an increasing chasm is developing between the leadership and some elements within its own 22-member executive.
The question now?
Should ASTI boss Pat King be more assertive in taking on the malcontents within his own executive?
