ASTI members accept Senior Cycle implementation measures
Members of the ASTI have voted by 84% to 16% to accept the recently negotiated Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures and Addendum. (Ballot turnout: 56%)
The ASTI Central Executive Committee had recommended acceptance of the proposals.
The Union has emphasised that the ballot related solely to the implementation supports and measures negotiated with the Department of Education and Youth and was not a vote on the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme itself, which only the Minister for Education and Youth can prescribe.
Commenting today, ASTI President Padraig Curley said:
“Important negotiated supports include a pilot lab assistant programme for schools for the first time, additional posts of responsibility for Senior Cycle which come with dedicated time for the post holders including 2 hours for AP2 positions, legal protection for teachers, and additional financial supports for schools.
“The curriculum and assessment changes in the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme are significant and involve changes to how schools operate, how teachers manage a changed curriculum and how students engage. The ASTI has always stated that it is willing to engage constructively on Senior Cycle Redevelopment and we have continuously sought the necessary changes, resources and supports to protect education standards and student equity.
“Important considerations in this changed context are a teacher workload working group, a taskforce for AI in education, and a post-primary implementation group to deal with Senior Cycle Redevelopment issues and inform the promised early rapid reviews. The ASTI will actively engage in these groups to pursue teacher and student concerns in relation to workload, AI in assessment and the evolution of the best Senior Cycle possible.”
Mr Curley stated that while teachers have made their position clear on the implementation measures, the focus must now shift to delivery of those supports.
"The real test begins now. The ASTI will hold the Department of Education and Youth to account in relation to all its commitments. Teachers, students and parents will judge these reforms not by promises made on paper, but by resources, supports and protections delivered."
ENDS
