A chara, – Ronan Mac Namara's observation (Letters, November 12th) regarding the the professional training of young teachers for our "21st-century inclusive system", to teach children with additional needs, is apt in the present context.
In research work I conducted as national co-ordinator of the induction project for newly-qualified teachers (NIPT) in 2003, newly-qualified teachers reported that their single biggest challenge was the lack of preparation they received to respond to the needs of “our precious citizens”.
It is disappointing that almost 20 years later, the same problem exists in our schools. The wheels of education grind slowly. Unfortunately as they grind, another generation of children with special needs has grown up and been failed once again by the system.
– Yours, etc,
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SEÁN Ó DÍOMASAIGH,
Dunsany,
Co Meath.