Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
466 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she intends to take to address the concerns contained in correspondence (details supplied) in regard to the new weighted system for determining resource hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29040/04]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the proposed new system for resource teacher allocation involves a general allocation for all primary schools to cater for pupils with higher incidence special educational needs, borderline, mild and mild general learning disability and specific learning disability, and those with learning support needs, that is, functioning at or below the 10th percentile on a standardised test of reading and-or mathematics. An additional 350 teacher posts are being provided to facilitate the introduction of the new system.
I am conscious of difficulties that could arise with regard to this model, particularly for children in small and rural schools, if it were implemented as currently proposed. Accordingly, I will review the proposed model to ensure that it provides an automatic response for pupils with common mild learning disabilities without the need for cumbersome individual applications, while at the same time ensuring that pupils currently in receipt of service continue to receive the level of service appropriate to their needs. The review will involve consultation with educational interests and the National Council for Special Education before it is implemented next year.
It is important to emphasise that applications may be made for specific resource teacher allocations in respect of pupils with lower incidence special educational needs.
