Sir, – It is unquestionable that all levels of education need reform and transformation (Ivan Yates, Education Today, February 14th). However, this can only be achieved with an open and honest appraisal of our present system. It is clear that the system of education is failing to meet the demands of a modern society and uncertain future. Many of our second- and indeed third-level graduates are unskilled in creative and critical thinking and have very poor written communication and IT skills.
Mr Yates’s focus on the reforms within third-level are somewhat shallow and I suggest will not deliver the transformation that is required. Many of the problems in education are not within the gift of those working in the sector to solve. Mr Yates is, however, correct when he alludes to a “policy as usual” which has resulted in stagnation and complacency at all levels of education.
However, like most aspects of Irish society there is a shocking lack of critical debate, strategic planning and focused action – why should it be any different for education?
Mr Yates, as an former cabinet minister, has some responsibility for this. None of his suggested changes address the issues of the falling standards of graduates, grade inflation, poor quality management and accountably.
The question must be asked: is it in the interest of the education sector to focus on standards if it exposes levels of inadequate planning, poor management and teaching, spurious quality assurance as well as substandard schools and campus facilities? Unfortunately, Mr Yates proposes a simplistic shopping list of cuts and thereby misses the opportunity to begin a reasoned debate on quality and standards. – Yours, etc,