🧵 The INTO have recommended that members accept the pay deal. They don't go into any detail about what we have to do in exchange. I'm sharing the small print in this thread

1/ Before I begin, it isn't really small print. It's all available in the pay deal booklet here: assets.gov.ie/281869/83d6e1fd-0d09-47f9-bfab-80845b01d71f.pdf With that out of the way, here's the deal for primary schools ->

2/ Compliance with "Curricular and assessment reform including Primary curriculum; Literacy and Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy (2024-2033)" - so far, so fine.

3/ Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 - another year, another digital strategy. I've gone through more of these than I've had hot holidays. This strategy, like the last one, is a bit meh. However, they'd want to keep their side of the deal and start funding ICT properly.

4/ Gaeltacht Education Strategy - this won't affect most schools in the country. Similarly to ICT, this has never really succeeded

5/ Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Policy Statement 2017-2026; - Given that grants for this were awarded by lottery, I can't see this working out without proper funding. I'd be a bit concerned about this.

6/ Modern Foreign Language Strategy “Languages Connect” 2017-2026; I have no idea how this is going to work without extra resources. So far, there's very little on offer. I'm noting we're now up to 6 new initiatives for already overworked schools.

7/ Cineáltas Implementation Plan 2023-2027; Another scheme that won't solve the problem it's trying to solve. Rather than tackling bullying, instead we'll simply end up with data. This is a good interview on the topic: newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-hard-shoulder/cyberbullying-the-whole-system-is-broken-mother-says-social-media-sites-must-be-held-to-account

8/ Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development to 2030: Engagement on the outcome of the Policy Advice on Inclusive Education; I have no idea how they're going to manage this when the entire system is set up to be exclusive.

9/ engagement on the review of the EPSEN act Em... how about simply implementing it? It's over 20 years since it was supposed to happen.

10/ SNA Workforce development plan including review of the SNA contract. One for SNAs... no details. I'd be more worried about this than any of the teacher recommendations.

11/ Overall, in my view, it seems that there are no surprises in this. It feels like someone was told to write down as many schemes already in situ in a list. In some ways, I'm a bit disappointed that it's so boring.

12/ I wish there was something in there regarding the reconfiguration of schools but they wouldn't be brave enough. However, I'm reasonably happy that this is stuff we were probably going to have to do anyway. The devil will, as always, be in the details. /END