Teachers ‘must ensure conformity on marking’

The resolution to a dispute with teachers about junior cycle reforms lies in ensuring the way teachers assess their students is the same in all schools, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan believes.

While she awaits the outcome of an Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (Asti) ballot which could up the ante by sanctioning strikes, Ms O’Sullivan is anxious to avoid public negotiations on the issue.

The main contention by Asti and Teachers’ Union of Ireland leaders is that their members should not have to mark their own students for the Junior Cycle Student Award.