Educational exclusion is still deeply embedded in Irish society despite initiatives over the last few years, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said today.
She announced that 100 new posts would be created in the coming year to allow for the expansion of post-Leaving Certificate courses.
Adressing the Annual Congress of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) for the first time today, Ms Hanafin, identified educational disadvantage, creating a positive learning environment, and developing a knowledge society as key challenges for the second and third level education sectors.
The TUI has pressed for a new approach to the issue and in response Ms Hanafin is introducing a new policy framework for educational inclusion, which will be supported by an annual investment of €40 million for the creation of 300 new second level posts.
"It will put in place a new integrated School Support Programme that will bring together, and build upon, some ten existing policy interventions and initiatives for schools and school communities with a concentrated level of disadvantage," said Ms Hanafin.
The new framework will be implemented on a phased basis from the start of the next school year. Secondary schools in disadvantage areas will benefit from enhanced guidance counselling services targeted at junior cycle students, more libraries, expanded home and community liaison services to foster parent involvement, and an extension of the School Completion Programme.
Other measures which will be implemented on a phased basis include additional funding for literacy and numeracy measures at junior cycle, improved planning procedures with an emphasis on measuring progress and outcomes and wider educational choice which recognises different forms of intelligence and skills.
Ms Hanafin highlighted the importance of discipline in creating a positive learning environment.
"It is not acceptable that the indiscipline of a minority of students can impinge on the rights of the majority to achieve their potential," she said.
"At the same time, as educators, I know that you appreciate the need to ensure that we do not react to the problem by simply further marginalising those students who are struggling to meet the demands of school."
As a result Ms Hanafin has requested the Task Force on Student Discipline to deliver preliminary recommendations by June of this year.
She also said that curriculum reform is key to fostering a positive relationship between parents and pupils and that any changes implemented based on the NCCA advice on senior cycle reform will need to be carefully managed and well-resourced.
In order to support teachers Ms Hanafin has asked Department officials to look at possible models for an occupational health service as called for by the TUI.
Ms Hanafin also said she was committed to the development of the VEC sector and the concept of life-long learning.
"This is reflected in the overall dedicated funding provision for this year, which is up €10 million on 2004," she said.
"An extra €2 million is being provided for trainees with special needs in Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Programmes. I am providing an additional €1 million for the Back to Education Initiative, which will allow for an additional 1,000 places to be provided."