The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has warned that student retention rates will drop due to cutbacks impinging on the most disadvantaged in schools. The union was commenting on new figures issued today. TUI welcomed the improvements but warned that they could be undone by the effects of the education cutbacks.

Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Peter MacMenamin said:

“We welcome the improvements in student retention but a drop-out rate of one-in-six still remains unacceptably high.
We are also gravely concerned at the effects which cutbacks are having in classrooms across the country. At present, middle management positions are no longer being filled in schools. Year head would be a typical position, fulfilling a range of vital tasks related to the pastoral care and administrative duty fundamental to the safe and smooth running of schools.

The situation gets worse with the retirement of each incumbent.
 

As a result of the loss of these positions, there is often no longer anybody in a position to monitor and intervene in cases of bullying or absenteeism. This results in potentially small problems quickly escalating into large problems. There is a real risk that any improvement in retention rates will be wiped out unless targeted intervention is made.”