Education Minister’s foot firmly on the brakes of progress
Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said it is outrageous that the Minister has reversed plans for teacher-based assessments for Leaving Cert students.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“The Department of Education is failing to have any ambition for the future. The Minister’s latest u-turn represents another step back in improving our education system.
“We need to chart a way to progress on education. The Minister has failed to put forward any meaningful changes to the education system during her tenure. It’s ridiculous.
“One thing is certain, the Leaving Cert as an examination format is in desperate need of reform. Last year, the Labour Party held a consultation on leaving cert reform to better understand young people’s thoughts and concerns. From our conversations, it’s clear that a key focus of this reform must be to eliminate the huge levels of anxiety associated with the Leaving Cert year.
“Labour is urging this Government to convene a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education to chart a pathway to a better, fairer, more progressive way of delivering education in Ireland.”