Sir, – “Correlation is not causation” was the first important principle of good research we learned in college. Thus, to associate the taking of ordinary level maths at leaving certificate with poor outcomes in primary school is not just offensive, it’s ridiculous.
The grasp of maths concepts is incremental, closely linked with language proficiency and cognitive development based on the use of concrete materials and problem-solving. There are many factors correlated to difficulties in maths; developmental delay, language difficulties, inadequate access to concrete materials and, oops, high pupil teacher ratio.
Higher level maths are no use to the teacher trying to support 30 pupils with varying needs and learning styles who has to borrow counting blocks from the next classroom, unless of course, he’s a big strong man. Then he’ll be fine and the pupils will be brainboxes I’m sure.
I am of the generation where I had to choose between higher level Irish and maths and I chose Irish. However, as a school principal I am committed to the full implementation of the numeracy strategy and would love to lead my staff and pupils towards the highest standards in maths. I intend to do just that, after I’ve dragged the bins out, unblocked the toilet, figured out who’ll repair the window for what I can give after I’ve retained VAT and RCT, explained the bewildering resource application process to the non-English-speaking parent of a junior infant with special educational needs, sold raffle tickets to replace the bulb in the projector etc.
Minister, just let us do our jobs. You’d be surprised what we could do if we were allowed and if the pupils had the resources they need and are entitled to. Yours, etc,
ANNE McCLUSKEY
River View,
Old Bawn,
Dublin 24
Sir, – I read with some interest David Robert Grimes’s piece (Weekend Review, April 26th) in support of Mr Quinn’s assertion that primary teachers be required to have honours mathematics. In September I will need a teacher for a class of 30 junior infants presenting with a myriad of challenges and difficulties. I hope I can find a teacher who can adequately respond to the needs of this diverse group and, most importantly now, has an A in honours mathematics. Le Meas,
RONAN Mac NAMARA,
Principal,
St Kilian’s NS,
Mullagh,
Co Cavan
Sir, – If Ruairí Quinn chooses to “reform” by megaphone, what response can he expect? Yours, etc,
DES CURLEY,
Boyle,
Co Roscommon.