Teachers demand behaviour report fully implemented

THE student behaviour task force report must be fully implemented if Government wants to curtail the problems in classrooms, teachers warned last night.

The task force itself, chaired by Dr Maeve Martin from NUI Maynooth’s education department, urged Education Minister Mary Hanafin to implement all the proposals put forward in the conclusion of its report, School Matters.

“The task force is convinced these measures are contingent on each other in such a way that their implementation warrants a total and integrated response,” it was noted.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) general secretary John White backed this stance last night.

“This is a very comprehensive report with recommendations which can improve the wellbeing of students and teachers, but there will be no changes if they are not implemented,” he said. Mr White urged Ms Hanafin to set up a panel to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. Otherwise, he said, the report would simply gather dust like so many others.

While the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) is pleased with the minister’s plan to amend legislation on appeals procedures, but said a €2 million budget for the measures this year amounts to a piecemeal approach.

“Establishing behaviour support classrooms in only 30 schools leaves many others out in the cold,” said TUI assistant general secretary Declan Glynn.

Ms Hanafin insisted there is no discipline crisis in schools. But Fine Gael education spokesperson Olwyn Enright said she should tell that to the 63% of teachers at the receiving end of regular defiance.

Aside from the department, the task force said other agencies, students, teachers, school leaders and parents should also have increased behaviour roles.

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals strongly backed the task force recommendations.