Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
367. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if her Department has established minimum standards of engagement required by schools when home-schooling; if the matter has been the subject of negotiation and dialogue between her and the teaching unions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5234/21]
View answerMy Department has provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to facilitate the continuity of learning for all pupils/students in a Covid-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
This involves all teachers including Special Education Teachers, providing remote teaching and learning to all pupils in their class or on their caseload. There are no plans to extend the school year at the present time.
It is crucially important that the learning of all pupils/students, especially those with special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage and/or early school leaving, are supported at this time. These supports include teachers engaging with their pupils/students on a regular basis, through a blend of guided and independent learnings tasks and experiences. Chosen learning tasks provide an opportunity to demonstrate a student’s learning in a clear and concise way. These learning tasks enable teachers to monitor progress and provide constructive, developmental feedback to support learning.
It is also important that there is two-way feedback between home and school. Teachers are required to ensure that work received is corrected and relevant feedback is provided. Special education teachers should continue to engage with pupils/students and class/subject teachers should differentiate teaching and learning in line with their pupils’/students’ needs to minimise disruption to their learning and progression.
My Department’s ongoing engagement with public health and the education partners is focussing on the safe return of all pupils and students to school at the earliest opportunity, especially for children with special educational needs and supporting the provision of remote learning at this time.
