ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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Ireland’s National Literacy Plan must empower learners and support teachers and schools, an ASTI seminar heard today.

Speaking at a seminar on curriculum development in Dublin, ASTI President Jack Keane said literacy skills have a significant influence on a young person’s future life chances:

“We welcome the decision to develop a National Literacy Plan for Ireland. However, it is vital that the Plan is based on sound policy, evidence-based research and international best practice. It must also take into account the current strengths of the Irish education service and the resource limitations experienced by schools following more than two years of education cutbacks.”

“The plan must focus on empowering students to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, rather than testing ‘outputs’. Literacy and numeracy test results can provide useful information for teachers and schools, particularly at crucial times such as when pupils are transferring from primary to second-level education. However, the tests in themselves do not improve literacy.  They have little value if the resources are not available to enable schools to address literacy issues effectively.” 

The ASTI President also warned that pressures on teachers to improve literacy test scores could lead to ‘teaching to the test’. This would have a negative impact on teaching and learning in the classroom. “A balanced approach must be taken, particularly given the ‘bad press’ around the experience of such tests in some countries. Quality learning requires a holistic approach which focuses on developing students’ motivation, self-esteem and social skills as well as their academic abilities,” said Mr Keane.

Second-level teachers from schools all over the country attended the ASTI seminar today which included presentations on the Junior Cycle review, the development of the new Senior Cycle Curriculum, and literacy and numeracy policy.