Union leaders support Junior Certificate reform

The possible resolution of the long-running junior cycle dispute has moved a step closer as leaders of a teachers’ union recommended their members back the final reform plan.

Ahead of a ballot of 10,000 second-level teaching members next month, the central executive of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) made the decision on the deal reached with Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan and her officials during the summer.

The minister welcomed yesterday’s decision but did not make any further comment in advance of the matter being considered by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).

Its 180-member central executive council (CEC) meets this morning in Dublin, and the outcome of TUI deliberations is likely to have some influence on its decision whether to recommend acceptance in a likely ballot of its 17,000 members

However, there are strong views in opposition to the change in schools, and leading members have been voicing arguments for a vote against the deal.

While concerns have been expressed about retaining the integrity of the existing examination system since the original plan was published almost three years ago by previous minister Ruairi Quinn, TUI president Gerry Quinn said the proposals secure and enhance the externally assessed Junior Certificate.

“Significant concerns about additional bureaucracy have been adequately addressed. Responsibility for the administration and assessment of the Junior Certificate will remain with the State Examinations Commission and will not be foisted on schools,” he said.

Details on the time and resources that would be given to teachers and schools to implement the reforms were finalised in July, subject to the backing of ASTI and TUI members. Mr Quinn said the TUI executive believes the plans will enhance second-level education while protecting the working conditions of teachers.

“The proposals outline a progressive and positive way forward,” he said.

The union will post ballot papers on the junior cycle changes to members on September 9 and the ballot closes on September 23. An ASTI ballot would close on the same date, following a number of planned regional meetings from next week to discuss the plan.

While final written exams in each subject would be retained, the new junior cycle would include classroom-based assessments of students by their own teachers in second and third years.

Teachers would have their weekly timetable reduced to allow for planning and collaboration with colleagues, while training is being planned.