ISSU Statement: No Consultation with Students on Reopening Schools Plan
"I am extremely disappointed..."
The Irish Second-level Students’ Union (ISSU) believes that announcing a full reopening of schools, with a two-day notice, is rushing school leaders to put in adequate risk-mitigation measures to ensure a safe return for students.
Additionally, the department's announcement has not responded adequately to the shortages of school and teaching staff, and student absenteeism.
The ISSU notes the high levels of disruption that schools and students have experienced in the last term, and that any return to in-person learning should be done on a phased approach, whilst prioritising exam year students and students with special educational needs.
The ISSU is continuing to call for an open and solution-oriented discussion with all education stakeholders on how to minimise disruption of teaching and learning.