Through the Southside Partnership, a Discipline For Learning programme has been delivered to 350 teachers. It targets educational needs and truancy in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area of Co Dublin. The partnership will host another seminar on the programme in the Blackrock Education Centre on Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th.
The in-service initiative aims to improve the ability of pupils in making choices and behaving in school. The programme was developed and tested in Britain.
Teachers in eight primary schools and six second-level schools have already received training - as well as 70 staff in residential care centres, with co-funding from the Eastern Health Board. Parents and teachers give their time free to train. This is followed up by a school committee which works to draw up a DFL plan unique to each school.
The programme aims to reduce classroom disruption, develop good behaviour and enhance relationships between pupils, teachers and parents. It seeks to raise pupil selfesteem; reduce teacher stress and create good PR for the whole school community.
Training for staff and parents is also planned for the spring. The partnership estimates that up to 7,000 students each year will benefit from this programme.
Contact: Paula Boyle at Southside Partnership - (01) 230 1011.
