Missing link in school system discovered

THE interim report of the taskforce on student behaviour in second-level schools found that 5%-10% of students are engaged in various forms of low-level disruption, while those engaged in extreme behaviour represented a very small proportion.

Any level of such negativity increases stress levels for teachers and most compliant students and, as such, must be lessened.

I take great heart from the report’s findings on the various levels of involvement by parents in the education system.

The taskforce is going to examine such involvement and seek to make relevant recommendations aimed at improving what could be a “powerful partnership” between home and school.

The taskforce has found the missing link.

Educate and empower parents, and get them on side while encouraging and supporting student councils.

Students and parents are the customers and their needs must be taken into account.

The traditional ‘we know best’ approach by those who operate and manage the education system belongs to a bygone era.

As always, if the best interests of children are at the centre of all education- related decisions, then, as a nation, we won’t go to far wrong.

Jim Jackman

PRO, Parents Associations of Community and Comprehensive Schools

16 Park Drive Court

Castleknock

Dublin 15