TUI is anticipating “logistical nightmares” as a result of the new substitution cover restrictions, with many schools being forced to send home students as management struggle to deal with upwards of 50 classes to be covered in a single day.
The union has also warned that drop-out rates could soar because of cuts to programmes that protect against the problem of early school leaving.
Union General Secretary Peter MacMenamin today said:
“TUI have been contacted by principals irate at the logistical nightmare that the suspension of substitute cover for absences arising from uncertified sick leave and school business absences.”
The following is an example of the potential chaos in a typical school as a result of the cut.
Case Study:
School Y has 45 teachers.
On a particular Tuesday, three teachers are out on uncertified sick leave.
The same day, two teachers are scheduled to partake in a professional development seminar at their local education centre related to changes in their subject curriculum.
Two teachers have also taken a study group on a geography field trip to support core curricular activitiy.
This means seven of the teaching staff are not available to take classes on that day. Taking seven as the average number of classes each teacher was due to teach that day, this leaves 49 classes to be covered with no option of substitution cover available.
“Principals, confronted with the problem of several unattended classrooms, will be left with little option in such cases but to send many students home.”
TUI once again slammed the decision to remove grant aid from programmes such as the Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cert Schools Programme.
“Drop-out rates will soar as a direct result of these cuts.
“Perversely, they represent a savage swipe at those students who need the most support at school. A key aim of these programmes is to protect against early drop-out by enabling all students to reach their potential. “
“The programmes embrace experiential and research based learning practices and adapt a variety of teaching and learning methodologies aimed to accommodate a wide mix of learning styles among students. Withdrawal of grant aid will significantly restrict the capacity of schools to provide students with the mix of learning experiences that are crucial in enabling them to reach their potential.”