Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Any reform taken in the education system must keep students and the quality of education they receive at its heart. The workload capacity of teachers must also be taken into account and it must be realistic in what it expects to deliver. The junior cycle reform proposed by this Government is more focused on cost-cutting in an already decimated sector, rather than on the provision and integrity of a quality examination. The word "reform" is being used to disguise more cuts.

Recently, the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, referred to the upcoming strike as unnecessary, demonstrating a clear disregard for the voices of the 27,000 teachers represented by the TUI and ASTI. The concerns of teachers regarding the proposed changes have been ignored from the start of this process, an attitude made abundantly clear in the fact that only a single day of in-service training was offered prior to the proposed implementation of the new junior cycle English course. One day is ridiculous.

Sure, the junior certificate needs to be reformed. The junior certificate is an important part of preparation for the leaving certificate and any reform should take into account best practice at leaving certificate level. The system of oral examination in the leaving certificate involves external assessment, with students being examined by teachers from other schools. This upholds the fairness and integrity of the examination and should also apply to the junior certificate, instead of the current confusing optional oral system, which is an example of a half-baked reform. This Government talks about the need for reform, but then refuses to spend the money required to provide a better system, based on best practice. I have a friend, Tricia, who teaches in Dublin. She recently carried out a survey of junior certificate students, where she proposed that the mock junior certificate be marked in-house. There was overwhelming opposition to it as students demanded independent assessment.

Lack of consultation with teachers and students by the State authorities means that we have another strike tomorrow. Communication does help. Everyone accepts that change needs to happen, but it must be done in consultation with teachers and students.

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