08/09/2008
Irish Classrooms Most Crowded In Europe, Say Teachers
Irish children learn in some of the most heavily populated classrooms in Europe, according to a leading teachers group.
The teachers have suggested Irish classrooms are the second most crowded in the EU.
And according to primary school staff the government has failed in reducing class sizes, despite repeated promises.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation has pointed to the Education Department's own figures, which revealed around 100,000 children are taught in classes with more than 30 pupils.
The organisation's General Secretary John Carr said just one in ten children are in classes of less than 20.
However, the Education Department has defended its progress, and said there are now 30 thousand primary school teachers - six thousand more than there were in 2002.
A department spokesperson said 80% of pupils are now in classes of fewer than 30 pupils, making the pupil to teacher ratio 16 to one.
This year the Department is creating an "unprecedented" 7,000 new school place, the spokesperson said, a first in the history of the State.
(PR/JM)
The teachers have suggested Irish classrooms are the second most crowded in the EU.
And according to primary school staff the government has failed in reducing class sizes, despite repeated promises.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation has pointed to the Education Department's own figures, which revealed around 100,000 children are taught in classes with more than 30 pupils.
The organisation's General Secretary John Carr said just one in ten children are in classes of less than 20.
However, the Education Department has defended its progress, and said there are now 30 thousand primary school teachers - six thousand more than there were in 2002.
A department spokesperson said 80% of pupils are now in classes of fewer than 30 pupils, making the pupil to teacher ratio 16 to one.
This year the Department is creating an "unprecedented" 7,000 new school place, the spokesperson said, a first in the history of the State.
(PR/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 April 2014
Junior Cycle Reforms Will Not Be Deferred - Quinn
There are no plans to defer the implementation of reforms to the Junior Cycle programme, despite opposition to the move by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).
Junior Cycle Reforms Will Not Be Deferred - Quinn
There are no plans to defer the implementation of reforms to the Junior Cycle programme, despite opposition to the move by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).
04 February 2008
Underperforming Teachers Face Sack After 90 Days
Confidential proposals drawn up by the Department of Education outlines plans to sack underperforming teachers if they fail to improve within 90 days. Dismissal would be the most extreme form of punishment in the proposals but other sanctions drawn up by the department include pay deductions, demotions and suspensions.
Underperforming Teachers Face Sack After 90 Days
Confidential proposals drawn up by the Department of Education outlines plans to sack underperforming teachers if they fail to improve within 90 days. Dismissal would be the most extreme form of punishment in the proposals but other sanctions drawn up by the department include pay deductions, demotions and suspensions.
03 December 2019
Irish Students Among Top Performers In Reading
The 2018 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results have shown that Ireland's 15 year-olds are among the best in reading literacy. The study, which takes place every three years, aims to measure how well pupils are performing in the three areas of reading, mathematics and science.
Irish Students Among Top Performers In Reading
The 2018 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results have shown that Ireland's 15 year-olds are among the best in reading literacy. The study, which takes place every three years, aims to measure how well pupils are performing in the three areas of reading, mathematics and science.
16 May 2013
Teachers' Unions Invited To Revised Croke Park II Talks
Three teachers unions have been formally invited by the Labour Relations Commission to become involved in ongoing negotiations around the revised Croke Park II agreement.
Teachers' Unions Invited To Revised Croke Park II Talks
Three teachers unions have been formally invited by the Labour Relations Commission to become involved in ongoing negotiations around the revised Croke Park II agreement.
11 March 2013
Junior Cycle Reform Plans Could Undermine Standards - ASTI
Most teachers believe that the education Minister's Junior Cycle reform plans could undermine educational standards in schools, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) President Gerry Breslin said today.
Junior Cycle Reform Plans Could Undermine Standards - ASTI
Most teachers believe that the education Minister's Junior Cycle reform plans could undermine educational standards in schools, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) President Gerry Breslin said today.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy start with some outbreaks of rain. Becoming mainly dry and bright by the afternoon but the odd heavy shower will develop. Feeling very mild or rather warm in any sunshine. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry start to the evening with some clear spells. Cloud and showery rain will gradually extend westwards during the night. Minimum temperature 3 °C.