REDUCING CLASS size is not the answer to every educational problem in schools, a senior school principal said yesterday.
Larry Fleming, president of the Irish Primary Principals Network, said the quality of the class teacher was the key factor in boosting quality.
“Ask any parent would they rather have their child in a class of 28 with one of the best teachers in the school or in a class of 22 with a less-able teacher – we all know what the answer would be.”
Mr Fleming’s comments at the opening of the network’s conference in Killarney are likely to be welcomed by Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe.
However, they will infuriate the main primary teachers’ union, the INTO. It mounted a national campaign last year to reverse the budget increases in class size.
Mr O’Keeffe will address over 800 primary principals at the conference this morning, his first major address to a teachers’ group since the budget education cutbacks. Attention will focus on the reception he receives from delegates.
In his address Mr Fleming praised the work of the National Educational Psychological Service but was critical of many other agencies working in the education sector.
He said the National Education Welfare Board, the school attendance body, significantly increased the administrative burden on principals.
“In a time when resources are scarce . . . it is time to do an objective evaluation on which education agencies make a real difference to children’s learning. This should determine future funding priorities,” said Mr. Fleming.
In recent months there has been speculation the new group charged with the task of public service cutbacks – known as “An Bord Snip Nua” – may target various education groups.
Separately, an Irish Primary Principals Network survey released yesterday found huge support (85 per cent) for mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse.
In the survey 45 per cent of principals identified child neglect as the single most important factor impacting on child welfare in our schools.
Commenting on the survey, Mr Fleming said: “Principals and teachers see neglect as a growing issue.
“Lack of proper parenting, poor personal hygiene, inadequate school lunches, no home supervision or assistance for homework, antisocial behaviour and children who are obviously starved of love and attention at home.
“The vast majority of children are thriving but when we see these signs we know action is needed.
“Often principals are very frustrated because they report their concerns about a child or a family, and then no effective action appears to be taken. This is not acceptable.”
He said despite the complexities surrounding mandatory reporting, principals were demanding that the necessary legislation be introduced immediately.
