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01/11/2024Mayo School Campaigns in DáilMayo Educate Together school to take campaign to Dáil ÉireannRead Article
31/10/2024Catholic Schools Avoid SPHECatholic schools advised to not make use of SPHE textbooksRead Article
31/10/2024Taoiseach on School Violence‘Harrowing viewing’: Taoiseach makes statement after survivors of violence in Irish schools speak out : Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris considers expanding the clerical sex abuse inquiry to include historic corporal punishment in schools after the RTÉ documentary highlighted survivors' traumatic experiences.Read Article
31/10/2024Pizza vs. Nuggets: Democracy WinsIn this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the winner : Students at an Arizona tribal school vote between pizza and chicken nuggets to learn democracy, fostering civic engagement and understanding the importance of their voices.Read Article
01/11/2024**Teacher Beats Student**A teacher beat me black and blue because I didn't know what a noun was' : A teacher exposes widespread physical and sexual abuse in Ireland’s religious schools, revealing thousands of allegations, Church cover-ups, and lasting trauma for victims.Read Article
01/11/2024Irish Gov Funds Youth10 youth climate projects to get share of almost €500,000 from Irish government : The Irish Government is awarding nearly €500,000 to ten youth groups for climate justice projects, empowering young people to address climate change initiatives.Read Article
31/10/2024**Masked Gunman Threatens School**Chilling moment masked ‘gunman’ stalks primary school sparking mass shooting fears – with teachers & kids in lockdown : In 2022, Ryan Brick approached a North Wales primary school masked with fake guns, causing mass shooting fears. He was arrested and given a suspended sentence.Read Article
31/10/2024Snack Election: Democracy WinsIn this school’s election, it’s pizza vs. chicken nuggets, with democracy as the winner : Students at an Arizona tribal school vote between pizza and chicken nuggets to learn democracy, fostering civic engagement and understanding the importance of their voices in the community.Read Article
30/10/2024**Secondary Pupils Question Gaelic**Pupils get to secondary and think 'Why am I learning Gaelic?' : Gaelic Medium Education in Scotland faces a 60% drop from primary to secondary due to poor promotion of Gaelic’s value, student uncertainty, and limited career perceptions, according to experts.Read Article
02/11/2024**Galway Schools Achieve Gaeltacht**Galway delight on achieving official recognition as Gaeltacht Schools : Galway schools officially recognized as Gaeltacht Schools through the Recognition Scheme, receiving support to enhance Irish language education. Minister Norma Foley congratulated all achievers.Read Article
03/11/2024Tusla Chief: No ReferralsNo referrals over Kyran's school attendance - Tusla chief : Tusla’s chief executive confirmed no concerns were reported about Kyran Durnin’s school attendance from 2022-2024. An ongoing murder investigation into his disappearance continues.Read Article
04/11/2024**Irish Education Declines**Our Government aspires to boost education through Irish - yet student numbers have fallen for the first time in 50 years : Despite government efforts to promote Irish-medium education, student numbers have declined for the first time in 50 years. Experts recommend increasing schools and allowing parental choice to boost enrollment.Read Article
06/11/2024€75K Education Settlement€75,000 settlement over failure to provide suspended boy with special schooling for three years : The High Court approved a €75,000 settlement plus costs for a young man with special needs after authorities allegedly failed to provide his specialized education for three years.Read Article
07/11/2024Australia Limits Under-16 Social MediaAustralia plans social media ban for under-16s : Australia will legislate a ban on social media for under-16s to protect children's online safety. Critics argue it may be ineffective, advocating for stricter platform regulations instead.Read Article
07/11/2024Foley Denies Misleading DáilFoley denies misleading Dáil over encounter with phone pouch company executiveRead Article
07/11/2024Foley Misleads Dáil‘No question’ of Norma Foley misleading Dáil over encounter with phone pouch company exec – minister’s departmentRead Article
07/11/2024Irish Learning DeclinesLearning outcomes slide for Irish pupils, report finds : Irish pupils' learning outcomes in maths and reading have declined, according to a UNESCO report. Overburdened principals lack the capacity to effectively lead teaching, reflecting global educational stagnation.Read Article
08/11/2024Robots Aid School ReopeningThe robots helping children go back to school : Wirral Council employs AV1 robots to support children with emotional needs, enhancing school attendance by 21% and lesson engagement by 42%. The robots facilitate emotional expression and gradual reintegration.Read Article
09/11/2024Parents' Charity StrippedNational school parents’ group stripped of charity status after rows over state finance and representation : The National Parents Council Post Primary lost its charitable status and €250,000 annual funding after governance and financial misconduct issues, leading to its dissolution amid disputes with Education Minister Norma Foley.Read Article
10/11/2024Fine Gael Rejects RyanairFine Gael distances itself from Ryanair boss’s ‘derisory’ remarks about teachers : Fine Gael condemns Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s derogatory remarks about teachers during a campaign event, leading to widespread political and public criticism.Read Article
10/11/2024**Taoiseach Rebukes O’Leary**Taoiseach responds to Michael O’Leary ‘offensive’ teacher remarks at campaign event : Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized teachers at a campaign event, sparking condemnation from Taoiseach Simon Harris and other politicians who defended educators' essential role.Read Article
10/11/2024**Flu Absences, Vaccine Low**Flu is leading to school absences but uptake of vaccine low : Over half of Irish parents report school absences for children due to flu, with vaccine hesitancy rising to 53% mainly because of time constraints.Read Article
11/11/2024Candidates Address Education IssuesElection candidates face lesson on key education issuesRead Article
11/11/2024Teachers Dominate Dáil‘Too many teachers in the Dáil’: Are they the most represented profession in the chamber?Read Article
14/11/2024Teacher Bashing Shields GovernmentsOpinion: 'Teacher bashing' is a global phenomenon, absolving governments of their failed policies : Dr. Alan Gorman argues that global "teacher bashing" shifts blame from systemic education failures, undermines teacher morale, and hinders necessary reforms, benefiting political agendas.Read Article
14/11/20244,600 Irish Teachers AbroadMore than 4,600 Irish teachers working abroad as schools at home struggle with staff shortages - study : Over 4,600 Irish teachers are working abroad amid severe domestic school staff shortages, especially in Dublin, prompting calls for incentives to retain and return educators.Read Article
15/11/2024Teacher Shortage FundingCalls for infrastructure fund to address teacher shortage : Irish primary principals advocate for an infrastructure fund to provide housing for teachers in urban areas. They attribute the teacher shortage, with over 4,600 abroad, to the ongoing housing crisis.Read Article
16/11/2024Cork Schools Funding WoesWe have to go cap in hand to our parents association': Cork primary schools on funding woes : Cork primary schools struggle with funding as high utility bills consume capitation grants, leaving no money for educational resources. Principals must rely on parent fundraising due to insufficient government support.Read Article
20/11/2024Minister Bombarded Over PlanEducation minister bombarded with emails from public over €9m phone-pouch planRead Article
20/11/2024Foley Calls Shortage 'Opportunity'Norma Foley’s description of teacher shortage crisis as an ‘opportunity’ another tone deaf insult of teachers - Sorca ClarkeRead Article
21/11/2024Foley Defends Shortage CommentsNorma Foley defends teacher shortage 'opportunity' comments called 'disgraceful' by Mary Lou McDonaldRead Article
22/11/2024Parnell Square Trauma Endures‘The trauma is still very real’ – Parnell Square school students still in counselling after attack, reveals principal : A year after the Parnell Square school attack, many students and staff are still receiving counselling. Three children and a care worker were injured.Read Article
25/11/2024Special Schools Await TherapiesSpecial schools still waiting for promised therapies : Five Irish special schools have not received promised in-school occupational and speech therapies over three months after announcement. Delays stem from recruitment issues, causing parent and school frustration.Read Article
25/11/2024School Embraces Risky Play‘Parents were apprehensive’: the school where ‘risky’ play is on the timetable : Slane National School in Co Meath integrates risky outdoor play, such as tree climbing and scooter downhilling, to build students’ resilience and confidence, overcoming initial parental concerns.Read Article
27/11/2024Forced Mainstreaming Harms‘Serious implications for vulnerable students’ - pupils with learning disabilities are ‘being forced into mainstream schools’ : New policy pressures mild special schools to integrate students with learning disabilities into mainstream settings, sparking concerns about capacity and adequate support for vulnerable learners.Read Article
28/11/2024Australia Bans Social MediaAustralia passes world-first social media ban for under-16s : Australia enacts the first global law banning social media for under-16s from late 2025, imposing fines on platforms that fail to enforce age restrictions to safeguard youth mental health.Read Article
02/12/2024Teachers Quitting Over WorkloadWellbeing and workload concerns driving teachers to consider quitting : A DfE survey reveals one-third of teachers and leaders are considering leaving the profession within a year due to high workload, stress, and poor wellbeing.Read Article
02/12/2024Disinformation Hinders CampaignNorma Foley says disinformation made for difficult election campaignRead Article
03/12/2024Next Education MinisterWho might be the next Minister for Education? : Simon Lewis examines likely Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael candidates for Ireland’s next Minister for Education, highlighting Patrick O’Donovan and Norma Foley as top contenders.Read Article
04/12/2024Ireland Top Math PerformersPupils in Ireland among top maths performers in Europe, global study finds : Ireland ranks seventh in secondary maths and tenth in science among 64 countries in the 2023 TIMSS study, excelling in Europe but facing a significant gender performance gap.Read Article
02/12/2024Migrants Day Learning ResourcesDec. 18th Is International Migrants Day – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources : Larry Ferlazzo highlights the UN-declared International Migrants Day on December 18th, offering educators various teaching and learning resources on migration and supporting immigrant students.Read Article
04/12/2024AI Enhances Festival Teaching4 AI Prompts for Teaching Festivals in Primary School : Simon Lewis presents four AI prompts to aid primary teachers in planning festival lessons using conceptual enquiry, providing lesson plans and resources tailored for Educate Together schools in Ireland.Read Article
05/12/2024Charter Supports Kerry SchoolsSmall Schools Charter to provide additional resources to KerryRead Article
05/12/2024Curriculum Adds IrishGreater emphasis on Irish words in updated curriculum for babies and toddlers : Ireland updates its early childhood curriculum, Aistear, to emphasize using more Irish language with babies and toddlers, enhancing language confidence alongside creativity and STEM education.Read Article
09/12/2024O’Leary's Teacher StanceWas Michael O’Leary right about teachers after all? : Teachers are demoralized not by pay or migration, but by an oppressive schooling model emphasizing performance metrics, excessive workload, and lack of support, leading to burnout and exodus.Read Article
09/12/2024Feeder Schools Highlight InequalityWhat do feeder schools tell us about inequality? : Ireland’s feeder schools highlight educational inequality, as wealthier families afford extra tutoring that boosts third-level progression. Experts argue these lists reflect existing disparities, advocating for broader support.Read Article
09/12/2024Traditional Gender AttitudesBoys will be boys: why gender attitudes of today’s schoolchildren are remarkably traditional : A study of 4,000 Irish primary students finds traditional gender stereotypes persist, with girls linked to kindness and boys to strength and sports. Experts urge ongoing efforts to challenge these norms.Read Article
10/12/2024HSE: Assess School MealsSchool hot meals need evaluation, says HSE obesity lead : The HSE’s obesity lead urges evaluation of the school hot meals program, citing concerns that high-fat, ultra-processed foods are increasing obesity risks among children.Read Article
10/12/2024Five New Special SchoolsFurther information over five new special schools : Five new special schools will open in Dublin, Cork, Monaghan, and Tipperary by September 2025 to meet the growing demand for education for children with complex special needs.Read Article
09/12/2024School Meals Under ReviewSchool hot meals need evaluation, says HSE obesity lead : The HSE’s obesity lead urges evaluation of the school hot food programme due to high-fat, ultra-processed foods contributing to obesity, highlighting concerns from educators and health experts.Read Article
12/12/2024Seclusion Banned in SchoolsUse of seclusion banned in schools for pupils with challenging behaviour : Irish schools are banned from using seclusion for pupils with challenging behavior. Physical restraint is only allowed in crisis situations posing immediate risks, according to new Department of Education guidelines.Read Article
13/12/2024AI Breaks Down CircularsUsing AI to break down Department Circulars : Simon Lewis showcases using ChatGPT to summarize the Department of Education’s seclusion guidelines, highlighting AI’s effectiveness and limitations in understanding and analyzing educational policies.Read Article
13/12/2024Santa's Patronage LessonsWhat Santa can teach us about Patronage : The article examines how religious schools profess inclusivity but enforce dominant beliefs, using Santa Claus traditions to highlight patronage-driven exclusion and challenges in embracing diverse viewpoints.Read Article
13/12/2024Seclusion Ban CriticizedGuidelines ending use of seclusion in schools criticised : A disability charity criticizes new school guidelines banning seclusion and limiting physical restraint, arguing they inadequately protect disabled children and fail to prevent abuse.Read Article
15/12/2024Phones, Social Media Fuel FightsHow Student Phones and Social Media Are Fueling Fights in Schools : Student cellphones are escalating school violence by facilitating the recording and sharing of fights, complicating efforts to control aggression and increasing cyberbullying across U.S. schools.Read Article
14/12/2024Israel-Palestine Education Initiative‘A whole new world opened up’: the radical project taking Israel-Palestine into schools : Parallel Histories, a UK charity, introduces Israel-Palestine conflict in schools through debates among diverse students, fostering empathy and balanced understanding of contentious histories.Read Article
14/12/2024Religious Certification Limits DiversityIs Religious Ed Cert a barrier to diversity in teaching? : A Muslim trainee teacher in Ireland faces limited job prospects in predominantly Catholic primary schools due to the requirement for a Catholic Religious Education Certificate, hindering workforce diversity.Read Article
16/12/2024School Revises Religious PolicyDublin school to review ethos statement over message telling parents students must attend all religious ceremonies : A Dublin school is reassessing its ethos after mandating all students attend religious ceremonies, with Education Equality arguing it violates children’s constitutional rights.Read Article
17/12/2024Ireland Lags in LanguageThe Irish Times view on foreign language-learning in schools: Ireland is lagging behind : The Irish Times editorial criticizes Ireland's low foreign language proficiency among youth, flaws in current education strategies, and urges enhanced language teaching and resources in schools.Read Article
17/12/2024Ireland's Traveller, Roma Bias‘High levels of prejudice’ against Travellers and Roma in Ireland, ESRI report finds : An ESRI report reveals high levels of prejudice against Travellers and Roma in Ireland, with women and those aged 16–20 showing greater tolerance than men and older individuals.Read Article
19/12/2024**Schools Ban Smartphones**Schools pledge to become smartphone-free : Four Worcestershire schools pledge to delay students receiving smartphones until Year 9 to reduce anxiety and promote healthier childhoods, supporting the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign.Read Article
19/12/2024**School Attendance Permanently Fractured**Ciara Kelly: School attendance has been 'fractured permanently' from pandemic lockdowns : A report reveals permanent declines in school attendance post-pandemic lockdowns, with over 25% of primary and 20% of secondary students missing 20+ days, notably in disadvantaged areas.Read Article
19/12/2024Schools Go Smartphone-FreeSchools pledge to become smartphone-free : Four Worcestershire schools pledge to delay students getting smartphones until Year 9, addressing anxiety and social media issues. They support the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign and involve parents in the decision.Read Article
27/12/2024Foley Launches Therapist CampaignNorma Foley launches campaign to recruit therapists to work in schools with childrenRead Article
29/12/202410 Schools Go Co-Ed10 schools switched to co-ed status in 2024 : Ten Irish schools, including five secondary and five primary, became co-educational in 2024 driven by parental demand and declining single-sex enrollments.Read Article
30/12/2024Record School TransportRecord number of children using school transport schemeRead Article
30/12/20242024 Irish Primary ReviewMy Irish Primary Education Review 2024 — July to December : Simon Lewis reviews Ireland’s primary education in late 2024, highlighting teacher shortages, resource cuts, policy failures, smartphone bans, and inadequate government support amid ongoing systemic challenges.Read Article
31/12/2024Diverse Homes Boost IrishIrish language teaching can benefit from schoolchildren from non-English or -Irish speaking homes, researchers say : DCU researchers find that a plurilingual approach to teaching Irish enhances language skills and cultural diversity, benefiting primary students from non-English or non-Irish speaking households.Read Article
01/01/2025Irish Education Hope 2025Hope on the Horizon: 2025 in Irish Primary Education : Simon Lewis outlines ten promising developments for Irish primary education by 2025, including improved special education, AI integration, reduced patronage, enhanced teacher diversity, better curriculum, and increased student support.Read Article
03/01/2025Teacher Shortage WorsensWhere have all the teachers gone? : An Irish teacher in Sydney highlights the exodus of young Irish educators seeking better pay and lifestyle abroad, emphasizing challenges in repatriating them to Ireland’s education system.Read Article
03/01/2025Dept Defers Reopening to SchoolsReopening a 'matter for individual schools', Dept says : The Department of Education allows individual schools in Ireland to decide reopening after a cold snap, considering local weather conditions and safety factors.Read Article
03/01/2025Schools Seek Solar FundingMore than two thirds of schools apply for funding to install solar panels  : Over two-thirds of Irish schools are applying for government-funded solar panels, receiving up to 6kW of roof-mounted photovoltaic systems to reduce emissions and energy costs.Read Article
02/01/2025Schools Combat Misogynistic InfluencersGuidance to be given in schools on tackling misogynistic influencers such as Andrew Tate over fears of effects on boys : DCU experts develop guidelines for Irish schools to help teachers and parents counter misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate affecting teenage boys.Read Article
05/01/20252025 Education: Crises LoomCrises and controversy: our predictions on what’s next for education in 2025 : By 2025, Irish education faces Leaving Cert reform opposition, increased AI concerns, rising special education needs, teacher shortages, university funding issues, and expanded school meal programs.Read Article
06/01/2025Safety First: Schools CloseSafety first' says Foley as number of schools closeRead Article
06/01/2025Heavy Snow Freezes IrelandIrish schools stay closed as heavy snow & ‘bitterly cold’ freeze grips nation amid -11C and ‘hazardous’ roads warning : Heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures force numerous Irish schools to close across Carlow, Kilkenny, Limerick, Cork, and Kerry, amid hazardous roads and severe weather warnings.Read Article
06/01/2025Schools Shut for SafetySafety first' says Foley as number of schools close : Minister Norma Foley announces closures for many schools in Carlow, Kilkenny, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, and Cork due to unprecedented snowfall and safety concerns.Read Article
05/01/2025Smartphones Blamed for UnhappinessSmartphones are an easy scapegoat for a more profound unhappinessRead Article
05/01/2025Mental Health: Teachers UnpreparedTeachers 'unprepared to deal with pupils' mental health woes'  : Irish secondary teachers feel ill-equipped to handle students' mental health issues due to inadequate training, rising demands, and fear of causing harm, resulting in increased staff stress.Read Article
06/01/2025AI Enhances EducationMary McCarthy: Children should be encouraged to use AI for schoolwork - it’s a trampoline to higher learning, not a shortcut : Mary McCarthy advocates using AI in children's education as a vital tool for enhancing learning, likening it to calculators and spell checkers, and essential for higher education.Read Article
06/01/2025Ireland Closes SchoolsIrish schools stay closed as heavy snow & ‘bitterly cold’ freeze grips nation amid -11C and ‘hazardous’ roads warning : Heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures below -11°C have caused numerous Irish schools to close. Met Eireann warns of hazardous roads and ongoing severe weather conditions through Thursday.Read Article
08/01/2025Processed School MealsHot school meals scheme: ‘We are institutionalising consumption of ultra-processed food in our children’ : Ireland's expanded hot school meals scheme faces criticism for relying on ultra-processed foods with harmful additives, lacking nutritional oversight, and raising sustainability concerns, potentially endangering children's health.Read Article
09/01/2025Patronage Harms School MealsWhy the Patronage Model is Harming the School Meals Programme : The patronage model decentralizes Ireland’s school meals, causing reliance on ultra-processed foods, inefficiency, and lack of oversight. A centralized system is needed for better quality and sustainability.Read Article
10/01/2025Teachers, Assistants ClashTension between teachers and special-needs assistants flagged in official report : An official report highlights tensions between Irish teachers and nearly 22,000 Special Needs Assistants, citing over-familiarity with parents and inadequate training as major issues.Read Article
12/01/2025Foreign Languages Threaten Irishhttps://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/01/13/plan-to-introduce-foreign-languages-at-primary-level-could-divert-time-from-irish/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter : Ireland’s new primary curriculum includes foreign languages from third grade, raising concerns among educators that it may reduce time for Irish and weaken its cultural status.Read Article
12/01/2025Gender Not in CurriculumGender identity not included in draft primary school curriculum : The new Irish primary curriculum excludes gender identity topics amid public debate and misinformation, as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment finalizes the biggest education overhaul in 25 years.Read Article
13/01/2025OECD Faces Teacher ShortagesTeacher Shortages across the OECD : OECD report reveals widespread teacher shortages, notably in Ireland, driven by high attrition, aging workforce, and regional gaps. It recommends immediate incentives and long-term strategies to attract and retain educators.Read Article
12/01/2025**Foreign Languages Threaten Irish**Plan to introduce foreign languages at primary level could ‘divert time from Irish’ : Ireland’s new primary curriculum adds foreign languages from third class, raising concerns among educators and parents that it may reduce time and emphasis on the Irish language.Read Article
14/01/2025€9m Pouch SchemeSchools to get instructions on purchasing mobile phone pouches under €9m scheme : Irish schools to receive guidance for applying €9M-funded mobile phone pouches aimed at limiting phone use during school hours, despite criticism over rising costs.Read Article
17/01/2025Irish Exemptions RiseExemptions from learning Irish increase by 11% since 1999 : Exemptions from learning Irish in post-primary schools have risen by 11% since 1999 due to increased diversity and stricter criteria, prompting calls for improved teaching methods.Read Article
18/01/2025Rental Aid for TeachersTeachers to avail of cost-rental accommodation to alleviate recruitment shortages in schools : The Irish government will reserve affordable cost-rental housing for teachers to address recruitment shortages, especially in greater Dublin, offering stable rents below market rates for key local workers.Read Article
18/01/2025Schools Debate Textbook UseShould schools go back to using textbooks? : Sweden reverts to physical textbooks, investing €50 million, citing digital education's shortcomings. Educators advocate blending traditional methods with technology for effective learning.Read Article
18/01/2025Martin’s Cabinet CandidatesWho is in the running for Micheál Martin’s top cabinet roles : Micheál Martin forms his new Cabinet after the Green Party exits, assigning Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members to key roles including Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Health.Read Article
18/01/2025**Schools Return to Textbooks**Should schools go back to using textbooks? : Sweden is reverting to physical textbooks, abandoning digital education with iPads due to ineffectiveness, incurring €50M costs. Experts advocate integrating technology with traditional methods instead of full replacement.Read Article
18/01/2025Teens Use ChatGPTMore teens say they're using ChatGPT for schoolwork, a new study finds : 26% of teens aged 13-17 use ChatGPT for schoolwork, doubling from 13% in 2023. Students prefer it for research, but fewer trust it for writing essays.Read Article
19/01/2025Irish Students Study EUMore than 20,000 pupils with Irish exemptions on grounds of learning disabilities studied European languages last year : Over 20,000 Irish secondary students exempted from studying Irish for learning disabilities focused on European languages last year, sparking debates on language policy.Read Article
19/01/2025Restraint Guidelines Under ReviewCalls for review of new restraint guidelines in schools : Concerns raised about Ireland’s school restraint reporting process ahead of September guidelines. Critics argue the National Council for Special Education lacks investigative powers, demanding stronger oversight and child protections.Read Article

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