THE DEPARTMENT of Education has moved to reassure teachers and school principals about a new inspection system which gives a wider role to parents and students.
The programme, which will begin in three secondary schools on a pilot basis this month, will see parents and pupils complete questionnaires on all aspects of school life. Yesterday, the department said these will cover issues such as school discipline, contact with parents, homework and overall satisfaction with aspects of learning and teaching in the school.
But it stressed that the task of actually assessing teachers would remain with its inspectorate.
The move comes amid some concern among teachers about the wider proposed role for parents and pupils. Until now, both parents and pupils have only had a marginal role in the school inspection process.
The new pilot system, known as WSE Management, Leadership and Learning, represents a shift towards greater pupil and parent power in the Republic.
But the Department insists inspectors are the only external body with a statutory function in the assessment of the work of teachers and principals. Last night Don Ryan, president of the Teachers Union of Ireland said his union is prepared to discuss enhancements to any of the various evaluation mechanisms. “However, this will require full consultation and agreement among all parties.”