ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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The ASTI has welcomed the report “Staying in Education” from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education on Skills which was launched today.

The report on early school leaving makes 14 recommendations aimed at protecting young people against early school leaving. 

“It is vital that when it comes to implementing these recommendations, that teachers are engaged and schools are resourced,” said ASTI General Secretary John White. 

“The focus in the report on the importance of literacy is to be welcomed. All the evidence is that when a pupil is unable to read, it is almost impossible for that pupil to benefit from education. We must ensure pupils with literacy deficits receive the support they need.”

Mr White also welcomed the recommendation contained in the report that there should be a ‘joined up’ tracking system for pupils vulnerable to school drop out. “No young person should fall between the responsibility of various agencies,” said Mr White. 

The report also stresses that the issue of early school leaving must be placed in a community/ societal context. 

“Support for parents of vulnerable students is vital. Support for extra curricular activities for pupils is also extremely important. It is well established that the involvement of pupils in games, musical activities and other activities is often the only reason why potential early school leavers stay in school,” concluded Mr White.  

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