Teachers fear changes to the Junior Certificate will undermine standards

Secondary school teachers fear planned changes to the Junior Certificate could damage educational standards and break down trust between students and parents.

They have particular concerns about more school-based assessments and the potential for new short courses to advantage students at schools with more resources.

In a report of feedback from 320 of the 520 schools where its members work, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said there are also concerns the timeframe for changing the three-year junior cycle is inadequate.