The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has described Ireland’s ranking in the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) as a strong endorsement of the commitment and dedication of Irish students and teachers.
The union has drawn attention to the difficulties Irish school communities face as a result of chronic underfunding at second level by successive governments and the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.
TUI has also once again expressed concerns around the pace of Senior Cycle redevelopment and the potential risk posed to the reputation of our education system.
TIMSS assesses the Mathematics and Science skills of fourth grade and eighth grade students internationally (fourth class and second year in Ireland). The 2023 assessments were administered to a random sample of 6,321 second year students in Ireland. Overall, the assessment was administered to 650,000 students in 65 countries.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie said:
‘The strong performance by Irish students in the latest TIMSS study is a tribute to the high standard of teaching and learning in school communities around the country. Ireland was the top performing EU country in Maths and Science at second year.’
‘What makes these findings even more impressive is that the latest OECD figures show that no country listed spends a lower proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) at second level. Shamefully, Ireland’s spend (0.9%) is the lowest of the 34 countries for which figures are provided, trailing far behind the OECD average of 1.9%.’
‘Smaller class sizes are required to facilitate modern teaching and learning methodologies.’
Difference between DEIS schools and non-DEIS school of concern – gender differences also require further investigation
‘The difference in scores between DEIS and non-DEIS schools is of concern and makes clear the need for significant, additional targeted resourcing. Separately, the gender differences in scores are also of concern and require further investigation.’
Difficulties recruiting and retaining Maths and Science teachers
‘In addition, there is a worsening teacher recruitment and retention crisis in our schools which sees students regularly missing out on subject choice. We know from our own research that Maths and Science are areas where it is particularly and increasingly difficult for schools to find and retain teachers.’
‘If teaching is to be a viable career and if Ireland is to continue to do well in international studies such as these, urgent action is required. Once again, we are calling for full-time jobs from initial appointment, better career progression opportunities, a halving of the duration of the Professional Master of Education (PME) required to teach at second level and full recognition of teaching experience abroad for those teachers who wish to return.’
Educational change must be properly resourced and planned
‘While findings such as these and the PISA indicators demonstrate in the clearest terms the quality of teaching in our schools, we once again draw our attention to the serious concerns of teachers around the pace of Senior Cycle redevelopment, which, if not done properly, risks inflicting reputational damage on our education system. We are in favour of positive educational change that is properly resourced and planned, but there is too much at stake for this not to be carried out properly. We once again urge the Department to engage meaningfully with us around our justified concerns.’