Sir, – Brian Mooney's article ("Ask Brian", October 20th) states that English classes are in a mess and appears to place the blame on the members of the ASTI. This is unfair.
Brian says that the ASTI “could not get a decision from its teacher representatives”.
This is not the case. It was decided to send the proposal out to ballot without recommendation. This was, whether Brian likes it or not, a very firm decision.
Brian suggests that we did not send out a message that we got 100 per cent of what we were looking for. We could not have done this because it would have been untrue. We did indeed protect external assessment and State certification in our negotiations; however, many other issues such as orals, examination levels and duration of exams had still to be resolved.
He criticises the structures of the union. ASTI’s structures are highly democratic and are not outdated. Democracy never goes out of date.
Brian is correct in highlighting the problem with the English syllabus. During negotiations we did attempt to have the role out of English deferred to allow for all eventualities. This unfortunately did not find favour with the Department of Education and therein lies the basis for “the mess”.
I do not accept Brian’s contention that “the ASTI has ceased to function as a representative organisation” or that harm is being done to the students.
The ASTI through the whole debacle, from the woolly National Council for Curriculum and Assessment proposals through to the negotiated document, has upheld the principles of equality and standards in education. – Yours, etc,
ED BYRNE
Vice President,
ASTI,
Ratoath,
Co Meath.