Sir, – Further to "'Lazy' strategy set to result in poorer learning, says expert" (June 26th), in which educationalist Pasi Sahlberg argues that basing educational policy on parental choice is "lazy", I can only assume that this contention is based on an unfamiliarity with the Irish system.
While he calls for a “systematic and deliberate policy by the Government” to provide an “equity-based system”, this fails to acknowledge that the Government does not manage the 98 per cent of Irish schools that are in fact in private hands, predominantly those of the Roman Catholic Church, and that this ownership and control is overwhelmingly protected by many articles of the Irish Constitution.
As we wait for the the many obstacles against implementing a Government-run equality-based education system to be navigated, it should be acknowledged that it is unlikely that a single State-funded system will be implemented in the short to medium term.
In the interim, Educate Together offers the closest approximation to the model of an “equity-based system” that Dr Sahlberg espouses and does so within the constraints of the Irish system.
Furthermore, I would take issue with the TUI secretary John MacGahann’s statement that choice is a “largely a middle-class option”. This is extremely patronising to the many parents in this country who do not identify as “middle class” but still care passionately about their children’s education.
It also fails to account for the many socially mixed schools run by Educate Together and attended by children – of all “classes” – whose parents have chosen an “equality-based” education. Contrary to some outdated stereotypes, the proportion of Educate Together schools that are either in or qualify for the Deis (disadvantaged) scheme is greater than the national average, as is their provision for children with special needs.
I have recently pointed out that lack of appropriate planning has created many cases where local communities do not have sufficient school places to meet demand.
Unfortunately, this may also result in the State building much-needed schools on whatever public land is available.
This is what has happened in Firhouse.
This is not the decision of Educate Together but a remnant of the lack of foresight displayed when State authorities approved the building of large housing estates in the area. – Yours, etc,
PAUL ROWE,
Chief Executive,
Educate Together,
Hogan Place,
Dublin 12.