Make Education an Election Issue

Education has not been an election issue for a long time. This reflects a combination of public apathy and the politicians responses to that and school and teachers unwillingness to portray our schools as anything short of wonderful. We get on with it, we do our jobs and we grin and bear it.

Our children deserve better than grinning and bearing it. They deserve better than inadequate capitation funding meaning they don't have all the resources they need, or learning in the biggest class sizes in the EU. They deserve better than the abysmal failure of the divestment process so far and the lack of a coherent cross department plan to address the teacher supply issue. 

The only way to make Education an election issue, is for parents to do so. Parents can only do that, if we give them the information about the reality of the issues we face in a schools, from funding to class sizes to teacher supply.

 Call to action

• I have drafted a letter for parents and school staff with education related questions for them to raise with canvassers. The letter is also shared below. 
• Please share this with your parent body and your staff now, or when the election is announced.
• If you haven't already, you can also share this budget explainer for parents which outlines the deficits of the budget and the current attitude to education.
• Take either or both templates, adapt as you need fit, and send them out. 

If we do not do everything in our power to make Education an election issue, we can't be surprised or annoyed when come the next budget the result is the same. Take 5 minutes to do this.

Make Education an Election Issue

Dear Parents,

As we approach a likely general election, it’s essential that we seize the opportunity to raise key issues affecting our children’s education with canvassers and candidates. Education is the cornerstone of our society, and right now, our schools are facing significant challenges that must be addressed by the next government. Education was not an election issue in the previous election, only parents can ensure it is one this time. 

We ask you to keep the following issues in mind when speaking with canvassers in the coming weeks and to raise these critical questions:

• What are your party's top priorities in education if elected?
• How does your party plan to address the enormous shortfalls in school funding?
  • Will there be any commitment to increasing capitation grants, and by how much?
• Ireland has the largest class sizes in the EU. What will your party do to reduce class sizes and ensure children get more individual attention from teachers?
• The current government set a target of having 400 multi-denominational schools by 2030, but the progress has been very slow, with only around 150 to date. What will your party do differently to meet this goal?
• How will your party ensure that students with additional needs receive the necessary resources and supports in mainstream and special schools?
• Teacher recruitment and retention is a major issue, particularly in urban areas with high housing costs. How will your party make teaching an attractive profession and address housing concerns for teacher so that children have a qualified teacher teaching them.