Teachers’ union to ballot members on Senior Cycle proposals

Most of the concerns of second-level teachers centered on the introduction of Additional Assessment Components (AACs), project work for each subject to be worth a minimum of 40% of a student’s overall grade in a subject. File picture: iStock

Second-level teachers’ union the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) is to ballot its members on Senior Cycle proposals in the coming weeks.

The union, which last year rejected proposed reforms, has recommended to its members that they accept the proposals following talks with the Department of Education.

The ASTI annual congress at the beginning of the month heard concerns from union members about the roll-out of the new Senior Cycle.

Most of these concerns centered on the introduction of Additional Assessment Components (AACs), project work for each subject to be worth a minimum of 40% of a student’s overall grade in a subject.

The ASTI annual congress also heard fears around the verification of coursework given the onset of artificial intelligence (AI).

The union’s central executive council said the recommendation to vote in favour of the proposals comes following negotiations with the department on additional supports.

“The ASTI had sought additional measures, including extra funding and resources for schools, training and other supports for teachers, including legal protection for teachers regarding AACs,” it said.

The ballot will take place over the coming weeks.

Teachers Union of Ireland negotiations

Separately, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) issued an update to its members on ongoing talks with the department.

TUI members last year voted in favour of the support measures in a national ballot. It said that, amongst other measures, the union received assurances last November that teachers involved in the authentication process for AACs have legal protection.

TUI general secretary Michael Gillespie said it will continue to engage around resourcing. 

"The revised programme must not increase the pressure on students or the already excessive workload of teachers, and the Leaving Certificate’s hard-won integrity and standing must be upheld."

• Jess Casey is education correspondent for the Irish Examiner