Teachers plan Athlone protest over Junior Cycle concerns

Athlone Community College is among the schools where teachers will stage a protest tomorrow (Tuesday) over proposed changes to the Junior Cycle in second-level schools. 

The protest is being organised by second-level unions ASTI and TUI.

It will take the form of a short rally outside school premises around the country. The protest in Athlone Community College will take place during lunch break, from approximately 12.30 to 1pm. 

In a statement, the TUI said regular school business would not be disrupted by the actions and normal supervision arrangements are to continue during the event.

The union said teachers believe Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s proposals for reform pose serious threats to education standards and to the objectivity and transparency of Junior Cycle examinations.

It added that teachers were concerned about 'the unacceptable lack of information' on how the changes will work, and also said a move to a school-based assessment would raise questions about the validity of student results.

In January, Minister Quinn announced that the Junior Cert was to be renamed the JCSA or Junior Cycle Student Award.