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Ruane's lesson on duplicity

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

The continuing politicisation of our education system was once again clearly revealed in The School Report on Monday evening when Caitrona Ruane was exposed in trying to explain the dismantling of the grammar schools to Chris Woodhead, whom she accused of being "duplicitous" in defending the current system.

She said academically excellent students would not be disadvantaged and could continue to Trinity or University College Dublin.

Is the minister for education not aware of the existence of our own two universities when promoting Dublin universities - or perhaps she just prefers not to use the words Queen's or Ulster.

At least this clarifies the meaning of "duplicitous"!

UNIVERSITY LECTURER

Belfast

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What is the betting the Sinn Fein have their unemployed parents on benefits & claiming legal aid all lined up ready to 'challenge' transfer test results as soon as they are released.

Posted by Alan | 13.11.09, 18:08 GMT

Glasrock What "reasoned argument against Caitriona Ruane's ruinous plans"?

To date no one has posted a link or reference to any credible research published in peer reviewed professional journals that demonstrate academic selection is a tool for whole-scale educational improvement or social mobility!
We have read a lot of reactionary opinions but evidence is sadly lacking.
So I challenge again the King Canutes out there: please cite a peer reviewed reference in support of your opinion!

Posted by Exasperated | 12.11.09, 10:06 GMT

Exasperated, I think the reasoned argument against Caitriona Ruane's ruinous plans has been done to death. She will not listen, indeed she and her party will not even enter into the debate. The majority of parents are against her proposals as is every single teacher with whom I’ve debated this (my wife’s a teacher). My own view for what it's worth is we should be working towards implementing the Dickson Plan. We should focus on bringing bottom performers up and improve vocational learning.

Posted by Glasrock | 11.11.09, 16:44 GMT

UNIVERSITY LECTURER appears to have picked up a few tricks from Chris Woodhead et al.
Rather than consider the evidence supporting the Department of Education's stance regarding removal of academic selection they 'play the man' (or woman) and not the ball.

It is easy to attack individual politicians (lets face it MPs and MLAs have made quite a nice living out of this tactic) refuting peer reviewed credible research demonstrating a sound educational rational to the Ministers policy is, however obviously beyond "UNIVERSITY LECTURER"

How much easier and satisfying to hurl abuse and insults rather than present a reasoned evidence based counter argument!

Posted by Exasperated | 11.11.09, 10:59 GMT

I also notice she only seems to be willing to discuss schools in the "Strabane, Derry and South Armagh" region of Northern Ireland! Has she never heard of the excellent education already available in North Antrim and South Down!

Posted by north Antrim Primary School Principal | 11.11.09, 10:44 GMT

Bigotry and hatred have no hiding place and with every comment and speech it becomes more and more apparent that Catriona despises everything about the N.I education system. Perhaps she should remember who pays her wage and funds the education system we have.

Posted by Paulo | 11.11.09, 10:17 GMT