A joint forum of teacher unions, parent groups and educationalists has made a series of recommendations regarding the future of post-primary schooling.

Collectively know as the Post-Primary Education Forum, the seven organisations have put forward 13 suggestions they believe to be vital to improving second-level teaching and learning over the next 15 years.

Jim Moore, chairman of the National Parents' Council Post-Primary, explained a new learners' charter is central to the proposals, which were launched under the banner A 2020 Vision for Education in Dublin this week.

Mr Moore noted this charter will "set out minimum rights for second-level students in relation to curriculum content, student voice, supports for student welfare, teacher professional development, class size and school resources".

The Department of Education has welcomed the initiative, which aims to promote the importance of computer technology and online resources, child inclusion and teacher training standards, as well as placing a focus on state spending on schools

Listed below are the 13 recommendations:

1. A learners' charter that would set agreed minimum standards for class sizes and resources.

2. A comprehensive review of special needs and welfare supports.

3. Appropriate education for all, especially those outside the school 'mainstream'.

4. Integrated approach to greater use of information technology.

5. Access to high quality and Irish digital teaching and learning materials.

6. State to ensure all schools are fully inclusive.

7. Strategy to attract brightest and best to teaching career.

8. Admission to teacher training to be based on suitability as well as academic ability.

9. Replication of Scottish model for internship of Newly Qualified Teachers.

10. School leadership to be supported by programmes for senior management team.

11. State to draw up green paper on education reforms over the next ten to 15 years.

12. Resources to support curriculum changes to be guaranteed.

13. Proportion of GDP allocated to education be raised to 7.5 per cent.

Written by Donal Walsh

 

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