‘Extra staff needed’ for disruptive students

SCHOOLS must be given extra staff to cater for students whose behaviour disrupts the education of other children, according to the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

The union made its submission to the Task Force on Student Behaviour in Second-Level Schools yesterday, and outlined a number of successful behaviour systems in different countries.

TUI assistant general secretary Declan Glynn said the system used in Britain, where 1,000 learning support units are available, should be considered for use here.

“Trained staff are available to discuss problems with students who have to be removed from class. But they also provide for their educational needs where they can not be met in the classroom,” Mr Glynn said.

Mr Glynn also suggested placing a legal obligation, such as those in Canada and Spain, on parents.

“The Education Act in Canada obliges parents to have students comply with school rules, attend regularly and punctually and account to teachers for their children’s behaviour,” he said.

The TUI has been to the fore in a campaign to address the growing discipline problem in schools, leading to the establishment of the taskforce by Education Minister Mary Hanafin in January.

Chaired by Dr Maeve Martin of NUI Maynooth’s education department, it has been asked to report by June on how to promote an improved teaching and learning climate.