An insider's guide to education

** How good is the Irish education system?

It’s a straightforward question but one that is difficult to answer.

Remarkably, Ireland has not taken part in international surveys on achievement at primary level since 1995.

There have been some studies showing that pupils in disadvantaged schools and Traveller children score well below the national average in maths and literacy. And that’s it.

At second level, the various OECD reports give some information on the performance of our 15-year-olds. We do very well in terms of literacy, but are less impressive in science and maths.

But there is no substantial body of research to tell us how, for example, our Leaving Cert standards compare internationally.

The Department is open to a national overview of standards – amid concerns that the entire education system is being dumbed down.

Certainly, there is a need for an objective assessment of standards at primary, secondary and indeed third level.

For years, we have found comfort in our “wonderful’’ education system. But isn’t it time we put these claims to the test in international studies?

** Some things never change .... One year ago, we revealed how the career opportunities section of the FÁS website was hopelessly out of date – despite that €1 billion lavished on the training body by the taxpayer.

One year on the website is still updating information. It tells us that information on all career profiles is currently being updated. “This information will be restored as quickly as possible. For course/CAO information please check www.qualifax.ie”, it says on the website.

Good to know our money has been well spent.

** There’s a certain frisson, we hear, in relations between the Department of Education and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).

Despite the warm smiles on social occasions, Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe (pictured below) and some senior figures were not impressed with recent TUI-inspired headlines about job losses and industrial action.

That said, TUI press officer Conor Griffin is winning plaudits for setting the agenda and raising the union’s profile.

** Who says Irish males are stone hearted?

The following was overheard at the school gates on Johnny’s first day in primary school recently.

Parent: I suppose you’re too old now to give your Mammy a kiss?

Johnny: OK , but make it quick!

** Breaking News: Eamon Stack, the Department’s Chief Inspector signalled his intention to retire on Friday.

Although not widely known by the public, Stack had a huge influence in boosting standards and accountability in schools.

Here is an excerpt from a speech he made to to school managers last year.

He told them: “A leader’s job is to stir emotion and set audacious, grandiose goals that shake the status quo. Too much management and you stagnate. Too much leadership and you get nowhere.

“Embrace the challenge of striking the balance. Do it well and the results will surpass your wildest dreams.”

Stack’s vision and his unfailing courtesy made him hugely popular across the education community.

He will be missed.

Got any education gossip? Email us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irishtimes.com