Ruane updates teachers on reform agenda

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has told members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation that her reform agenda will change the face of education in the north of Ireland.

The Minister was addressing delegates at the 2009 INTO Congress held in Letterkenny. The Minister said; “I have a clear reform agenda focused on tackling three issues; delivering a quality education, recognising diversity and promoting equality of provision for all our young people.

“I inherited an education system that was build around the needs of 40% of our children. An education system that was developed in the last century and is not capable of meeting the educational needs of young people in the 21st century. We must create a system that is fair to every child and I am progressing reforms that will change the face of education for the better.

“Right across this island we have highly qualified and committed teachers doing very important work. It is this level of professionalism that will help our schools produce creative, articulate young people who can confidently take their place in our global community.

“Last month I announced record levels of funding for education services totalling £1.9 billion. That’s £5 million we are spending on education every day of every week in the north of Ireland.

“While it was a record allocation I still had to make hard decisions and I continue to press for additional funding for education. It is my job as Minister for Education and yours as teachers and representatives of teachers to continually press for more money for education.”

Minister Ruane updated delegates on Transfer 2010, her proposal for new post-primary transfer arrangements. She said; “We need a system of transfer to post-primary school that builds on the individual strengths of every child. The admissions arrangements under Transfer 2010 will mean that teachers get to teach the curriculum rather than teach to a high stakes test. It will mean improvements in literacy and numeracy and end educational apartheid. That is good for pupils and good for teachers.

“Transfer 2010 provides the basis of an education system tailored to the needs of all our children. It is an opportunity to move away from a system of rejection and lays the foundations of a system based on social justice, equality and excellence.”

Minister Ruane also outlined to delegates details of a new school improvement policy which will be published shortly and will raise educational standards. The Minister also spoke about the influence of teachers on children.

The Minister concluded; “The job that each and every one of you is doing in classrooms right across this island is one of the most important in our society. The best teachers find the spark that ignites a child or young person’s mind. And we need education that interests and stimulates our children and young people young people if they are to progress in our global community, particularly in this economic climate.”

Notes to Editors

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