Some students 'being left behind'

A TWO-TIER education system has developed where some young people are buying an elitist education while disadvantaged students are being left behind, according to the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) president, Shiela Parsons.

She has hit out at the Government for funding private schools while leaving others with crowded classes, not enough teachers and without resources for children with special needs.

Addressing the ASTI annual conference in Ennis, Co Clare last night, Ms Parsons said: "It is worrying that money buys you an elitist education funded by the Government in a country which propounds egalitarian and republican sentiments."

She called on parents and teachers to support local school and to actively promote schools in their communities.

"It is disheartening that dedicated hard work in our schools serving the community is distorted while cramming institutions are praised," she said.

"They create a culture of panic and competition, provoke unnecessary stress and promote rote learning."

Ms Pearsons said that inequality in our education system has increased with the advent of the Celtic Tiger.

"Quite simply Minister (for Education Mary Hanafin), there are not enough teachers in our schools. Students are short changed by this under-provision of key personnel".

Also addressing the conference, Ms Hanafin promised delegates that extra support would be given for students with special needs, which she said is "the area closest to my own heart".

"There is no doubt that the record of the state over the decades in supporting children with special needs was very poor and that we have only risen to this challenge in recent years," she said.

Only one-third of all secondary schools have a special needs or resource teacher on their staff and the ASTI has claimed that some students are waiting months for special needs assessments.

The minister said: "As more children with special needs enter second level, extra staff will be provided to work with them."

She also promised extra support for young people from disadvantaged areas, to encourage them to finish school and avail of higher education opportunities.

"As well as the extra guidance counselling hours being allocated to disadvantaged schools this month, other measures that will commence in the current year include the extension of the school meals scheme and the roll out of the Home School Community Liason and School Completion services," she said.