Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Disruptive Students.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to assist schools to deal with disruptive pupils at second level; if he will establish a post of teacher-counsellor in such circumstances similar to that operating in a number of primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11062/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The problem of disruptive behaviour in schools has many aspects which need to be dealt with in a co-ordinated manner through the development and implementation of good school management practice and prevention strategies and the provision of appropriate teacher and counselling support.

My Department's psychological service is available to schools to provide assistance and advice in dealing with disruptive pupils and to identify the appropriate educational interventions in each case. An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to set up a national psychological service. I have established a planning group to prepare proposals for the development of this service and I expect to receive this report in the next few weeks.

The teaching counsellor scheme referred to by the Deputy was introduced on a pilot basis in 1995 in selected primary schools in the inner city and in the Clondalkin and Tallaght areas of Dublin. Teaching counsellors assist in co-ordinating a whole school approach to devising and implementing good practice and strategies to prevent disruptive behaviour. A detailed evaluation of the teaching counsellor scheme is currently under way and I expect to receive a report on the outcome of the evaluation before the end of the current school year. Any extension of this scheme should be considered in the light of the outcome of the evaluation.

In relation to discipline, my Department has issued guidelines to assist schools in discharging their responsibilities in this difficult area. School managerial authorities are advised to draw up and apply a fair and efficient code of behaviour, encompassing rules, sanctions and procedures in the school. Such a code is unique to each school as it reflects a whole host of factors associated with the community which it serves.

The report on discipline, commissioned by my Department and completed by Dr. Maeve Martin has been made available to every school. The report sets out models of best practice and is a very valuable resource for schools.

The report also indicates that curriculum change, especially the new programmes at second level such as the transition year, the leaving certificate applied and the leaving certificate vocational programme are impacting very positively on students and contribute to a reduction in breaches of discipline. The introduction of the junior certificate school programme will assist further in matching the abilities, aptitudes and interests of each student which will impact positively on the behaviour of students. Programmes such as Youthreach have been devised where it is considered that a pupil's needs can be best met outside the formal school system.

I am currently finalising proposals for the establishment of a management support service. This will be a resource for school management and help them in dealing with vital areas such as school planning and discipline. I intend to put this service in place for the new school year in consultation with the partners in education.