ASTI members have voted to authorise the ASTI to issue a directive on the scheduling of Subject Learning and Assessment Review (SLAR) meetings.
 
A ballot on the timing and scheduling of SLAR meetings was undertaken because some schools have consistently proposed that the meetings be held outside normal school tuition hours, contrary to the Appendix to the Junior Cycle Reform Joint Statement on Principles and Implementation. 93% of members have voted in favour of the ASTI directing its members to only attend SLAR meetings which are in compliance with the agreed arrangements. The turnout was 55%.

The Appendix to the Junior Cycle Reform Joint Statement on Principles and Implementation states that Subject Learning and Assessment Review meetings should be scheduled within a school’s timetable and that a limited number of meetings may run beyond school tuition hours for some of the duration of the meeting.
 
Commenting on the ballot result, ASTI President Deirdre Mac Donald stated: “Teachers in schools all over the country are saying that they are overloaded because of additional work and responsibilities, multiple new initiatives, and a lack of resources and investment in second-level education. This ballot sends a clear message that unilateral changes to agreed work arrangements which cause a deterioration in teachers’ terms and conditions will not be tolerated.”

Source: Press Release

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