Welcome to the Classroom Digest where we share news stories and examine topics that are of interest to teachers and parents. In this edition, from the delivery of high-quality early childhood care and education to the provision of Irish-medium education at second-level, Brian Mooney looks at six key issues facing the next minster for education.

‘People make assumptions about us’: Peter McGuire examines how third-level is becoming a real option for people with intellectual disabilities.

A Dublin school is to review its ethos statement: Mark Hilliard reports on a school that has said it will review aspects of its ethos statement following a message circulated to parents noting all pupils are required to attend religious ceremonies.

Our Government aspires to boost education through Irish - yet student numbers have fallen for the first time in 50 years. Parents should have a right to choose Irish-medium education for their children, otherwise, the status quo will never change, writes Pádraig Ó Duibhir.

We need a Donogh O’Malley-style figure to deliver on the promise of a reformed Leaving Cert - broadening the range of learning and assessment at senior cycle has the potential to provide pathways for all students to realise their full potential, writes Emma Duggan.

The Secret Teacher writes about those controversial comments made by Michael O’Leary and asks if he was right about teachers after all.

Teachers Leah O’Shaughnessy and Melanie Martin want to challenge stereotypes in the book they co-wrote in the wake of the Dublin riots.

Grind schools are booming. Would they offer any advantage in a properly resourced education system, asks Selina McCoy.